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By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the teaching profession and creating better learning conditions for Nigerian children, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this in his address at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day commemoration and the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards ceremony.
The 2026 celebration is themed, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World.”
Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his strong commitment to education and the Nigerian child, noting that education remains a central component of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the President’s support has enabled the Ministry of Education to pursue reforms aimed at placing learners and teachers at the centre of national development.
He described teachers as critical to national development, stressing that every doctor, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and public servant had benefited from the work of teachers.
“When we honour teachers, we honour the people who make every other profession possible,” the minister said.
Alausa noted that the theme of this year’s celebration should go beyond appreciation to sustained support for the teaching profession.
He said teachers deserved professional respect, opportunities for continuous career development, appropriate resources, fair recognition and good working conditions.
The minister also highlighted the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on education, saying the emerging tools could assist teachers in reaching learners and tailoring instruction.
He, however, stressed that the judgment, encouragement and human connection provided by skilled teachers remained indispensable.
Alausa said the government would therefore work to equip teachers to use emerging technologies responsibly and confidently while safeguarding professional standards and values.
He listed better learning environments, stronger institutions, skills for a changing economy, reliable data for decision-making, improved teacher welfare and continuous professional development among the areas being prioritised under the government’s education renewal efforts.
The minister also said the Federal Government was committed to working with state governments and other stakeholders to improve the conditions under which teachers operate.
He stressed that a child’s opportunities should not be determined by geography, family income or circumstances, adding that teachers in both urban and remote communities should have the necessary tools and support to help learners succeed.
On the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards, Alausa said the initiative provides an opportunity to recognise outstanding teachers, school administrators and schools for professionalism, innovation and leadership.
He congratulated the award recipients, describing their achievements as examples from which others could learn.
The minister also urged teachers who did not receive awards to remain committed to their duties, assuring them that their contributions to the development of Nigerian children were valued.
He said the Federal Government would continue to work with state governments, school leaders, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents to strengthen teacher preparation, development and recognition.
Alausa called for sustained respect, investment and partnership for teachers beyond the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration.
“Every school day, millions of Nigerian children enter classrooms carrying hopes, abilities, questions and dreams. The teachers who receive them have the extraordinary responsibility of helping these children transform potential into possibility,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to protecting the dignity of the teaching profession, advancing its professional status and ensuring that Nigerian teachers are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The minister congratulated recipients of the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards and commended teachers across the country for their service, perseverance, professionalism, devotion to children and commitment to Nigeria.