Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to teachers’ welfare, professional growth, and collaboration in the education sector as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day and the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards. The event, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, brought together teachers and education stakeholders under the global theme: “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.” This was contained in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press, and Public Relations.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in his keynote address, emphasized that a collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. He noted that such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies while remaining humble enough to learn from others.
Dr. Alausa described teachers as the bedrock of human capital development and nation-building, adding that the Ministry has introduced several policies, including the National Teacher Policy, to empower and motivate teachers. He said the Ministry is leveraging digital platforms to connect teachers across states and promote peer learning. “When teachers collaborate and thrive, children learn better, the education system grows stronger, and the nation is assured of a brighter future,” he said.
He commended all stakeholders for achieving positive milestones in improving teachers’ welfare and urged community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen collective efforts toward achieving the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and SDG 4 on quality education.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad noted that the celebration aligns with the global movement championed by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International to recognize teachers’ crucial role in sustainable development. She explained that the Ministry is implementing initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools to strengthen collaboration and improve learning outcomes.
“Teaching must evolve from an isolated practice to a collaborative culture built on trust, openness, and shared responsibility,” Prof. Ahmad stated. She added that these efforts will raise teacher quality, professional pride, and excellence while attracting more talent into the profession.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan stated that globally, collaborative teaching is recognized as a powerful tool for improving learning outcomes. He emphasized that the Ministry, in partnership with its agencies and state education ministries, is embedding collaboration and continuous professional development in teacher training and classroom practice in line with the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers.
In his goodwill message, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards, instituted in 2007 to honour deserving teachers and schools. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support for teacher welfare and recognition.
Comrade Amba urged the Federal Government to revisit the delisting of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) from government funding to strengthen its operations and adequately address challenges facing teachers in unity schools. He cautioned against the privatization of education, which he said creates inequality.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to outstanding educators and institutions. Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, emerged as the 2025 Best Education Governor for recruiting over 7,000 teachers and implementing a ₦70,000 minimum wage for teachers. Other honourees included Governors Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) for their remarkable contributions to education.
Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School, Kemta–Abeokuta, Ogun State, was named Best Teacher and received a car. Woliwo Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, and Onike Girls Junior High School, Lagos, were recognized as Best Primary and Best Secondary Schools, respectively, each receiving a bus. Mrs. Odenike Fausat Mobolaji of Elepe Community Junior High School, Ikorodu, Lagos, won the Best School Leader Award with a ₦3.5 million cash prize.
The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance teachers’ welfare, foster collaboration, and reward excellence to strengthen learning outcomes across Nigeria.
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