The Federal Ministry of Education has digitalised the selection process for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA) as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and credibility in recognising outstanding teachers and schools.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration scheduled for Monday, October 5.
She said the new technology-driven selection system, implemented in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and in line with relevant African Union guidelines, would replace the previous manual process.
According to her, the digital system would provide reliable records for future reference while strengthening fairness, transparency and accountability in the selection of award recipients.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” Ahmad identified innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), inclusion and professional excellence as the five pillars that would guide discussions and activities during the celebration.
She said innovation would encourage creative teaching methods and locally relevant solutions to improve learning, while mobility would promote professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.
On artificial intelligence, the minister said the technology could support personalised learning, data-informed decision-making and reduce teachers’ administrative workload when deployed responsibly, ethically and inclusively.
She, however, stressed that technology must complement rather than diminish the professional role of teachers.
“Teachers’ professional judgement must be preserved, even as they are equipped with the digital skills required to navigate the rapidly changing education landscape,” she said.
Ahmad also emphasised the importance of inclusion, saying all learners should have equitable access to quality education regardless of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location.
She added that professional excellence required continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ leadership role in national development.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and associated awards.
She disclosed that the 2026 programme would feature a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions to examine the five thematic areas and develop practical strategies for strengthening the teaching profession.
The main celebration on October 5 will feature teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in a march-past showcasing state flags and cultural attire, symbolising Nigeria’s unity and diversity.
A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with 14 awardees to be recognised for outstanding contributions to education.
The first-, second- and third-best teachers will receive major prizes, while other award recipients will receive laptops. Outstanding school performance will also be recognised.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of state governments, government agencies, development partners, organisations and individuals towards the success of the celebration.
She also urged the media to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage of the event to deepen public appreciation of the role of teachers in national development.
In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, described teachers as central to national development and commended their dedication to educating and moulding young Nigerians despite the challenges facing the profession.
Olatunji-David said World Teachers’ Day provided an opportunity to recognise teachers’ contributions while renewing commitment to their welfare, professional development and dignity.
She also called for greater involvement of teachers in education policy and decision-making, saying their participation would strengthen ownership and implementation of reforms.
The Director, Educational Support Services, Gabriel Amudipe Oluwole, said teachers remained indispensable to the delivery of quality education and the holistic development of learners.
He said the planning process for the awards involved reviewing relevant instruments, coordinating assessment activities and collecting and verifying applications, with attention to safeguarding, facilities and governance.
Representing the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union’s Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, said the changing nature of education made it necessary to strengthen rather than diminish the professional role of teachers.
Kalu called for sustained investment in teachers’ digital skills, continuous professional development and workplace support.
He said AI and other technologies should complement teachers’ expertise and professional judgement, while reaffirming the NUT’s commitment to engaging government and other stakeholders in building a strong and adequately supported teaching profession.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to placing teachers at the centre of Nigeria’s education transformation through professional development, digital innovation, improved recognition and supportive working environments.
