By Stella Odueme
The Federal Ministry of Education has digitalised the selection process for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA), in a move aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and proper documentation.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
The celebration, themed “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” is being organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in conjunction with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
Ahmad said the digitalisation of the selection process was carried out for the first time by the ministry, in line with African Union guidelines, while the nomination process was facilitated by the various State Ministries of Education.
She said the 2026 celebration would focus on five interconnected pillars: innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), inclusion and professional excellence.
According to her, innovation would promote creative teaching methods, digital tools and locally relevant solutions to make learning more engaging and impactful.
She added that mobility would encourage teacher exchange programmes, cross-border collaboration and flexible career pathways to facilitate the sharing of expertise across African education systems.
On artificial intelligence, the minister said the technology would be leveraged for personalised learning, data-driven decision-making and reducing administrative burdens, while ensuring its ethical and inclusive use.
She said inclusion would focus on equitable access to quality education for all learners, irrespective of gender, ability, socio-economic status or location.
Ahmad added that professional excellence would involve continuous professional development, fair remuneration, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ leadership roles in shaping Africa’s future.
The minister said activities had been scheduled to create awareness, promote critical thinking and reward deserving teachers across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She said a symposium on the theme of the celebration would hold immediately after the press briefing, with heads of parastatals expected to speak on the various thematic areas.
According to her, teachers from the 36 states and the FCT would participate in a colourful march-past during the main celebration, carrying their respective flags and dressed in cultural attire to showcase dedication, unity, diversity and cooperation.
She disclosed that 14 awardees had been selected for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and PTSEA awards.
The first, second and third-best teachers would receive cars, while the best-performing Federal Unity College would receive a bus. Other award recipients would receive laptops.
Ahmad also acknowledged the support provided annually by government parastatals, state governments, organisations and individuals towards the celebration and recognition of teachers who contribute to transforming Nigeria’s education sector.
She urged the media to provide objective and extensive coverage of the celebration to disseminate accurate information and promote unity, peace and collaboration for equitable and sustainable development.