The Federal Government has taken a giant stride to boost teachers’ morale.
Twelve teachers identified for their diligence after rigorous screening have been rewarded with N355million.
Two were selected each from the six geo-political zones.
Each of them got N25 million. They also shared N5 million donated by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
Idris is a former President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
The overall best among the 12, Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State, got additional N50 million cash, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and a car donated by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the cash award, unveiled the EduRevamp portal.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected,” he said.
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Alausa announced that after a rigorous, merit-based process, 12 finalists have been selected nationwide.
“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” Alausa said.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who gave the keynote address at this year’s National Teachers’ Summit at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, said: “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp portal,’ an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done”.
The First Lady reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, adding: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, education remains an essential pillar of national development… The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”
First Lady, who was a classroom teacher, said: “To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGE), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future”.
He added: “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers.”
The NGF chairman noted that teachers serve more than 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine, and nomadic communities.
He said governors were making concrete efforts to strengthen the education sector in many areas.
The efforts, the governor said, include mass recruitment, professional development in literacy, numeracy, STEM and inclusive education, improved wages, rural incentives, promotion reforms, and performance rewards.
“These efforts reflect a shared understanding that meaningful education reform begins with placing qualified and motivated teachers in our classrooms,” AbdulRazaq said.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, pledged to “restore pride in the teaching profession”.
She urged educators to seize new opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
