Outstanding teachers from across Nigeria yesterday smiled home with life-changing rewards as the Federal Government and state governors scaled up incentives to elevate the teaching profession nationwide.

The prizes were presented at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where 12 exceptional teachers from primary and secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones were honoured for excellence.

Each of the 12 finalists received N30 million, while the Overall Best Teacher of the Year clinched N55 million, alongside a car and a housing pledge, drawing loud applause and emotional moments from the audience.

The award process was described as transparent and merit-driven. Three teachers were nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both basic and senior secondary levels.

Following a rigorous independent evaluation, six teachers from basic education and six from senior secondary education emerged as national finalists.

In her remarks, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urged sustained investment in teachers’ welfare and professional development, describing educators as the “quiet architects of great nations.”

She said meaningful educational progress and national development could only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported.

Describing the summit’s theme, “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” as timely and relevant, Mrs Tinubu observed that it directly addressed the challenges confronting Nigeria’s education sector and the urgency of sustainable reforms.

She stressed that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education remains a critical pillar of national development, with sustained focus on teachers’ welfare, professional growth and skills acquisition for a rapidly changing world.

The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education for launching the Edu Revamp Portal, describing it as a major step toward continuous professional development and improved learning outcomes nationwide.

She particularly applauded the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for convening what she called a strategic and forward-looking summit, before declaring the event open.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State helmsman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, stated that teachers remain central to the country’s education transformation.

According to him, Nigerian teachers collectively shape the future of over 70 million learners across urban centres, rural communities, riverine settlements, nomadic populations and areas affected by insecurity.

AbdulRazaq noted that state governments, working through the NGF, have prioritised teacher recruitment to address shortages, improve pupil-teacher ratios and rejuvenate an ageing workforce.

Beyond recruitment, he said, governors are investing in continuous professional development, digital skills acquisition, technical education and structured partnerships to align teaching with modern educational demands.

He added that several states have introduced incentives, special allowances and performance-based reforms to improve teacher welfare, motivation and retention, particularly in difficult terrains.

Highpoint of the summit was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher.  He received N50 million, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to be built in any location of his choice in the state, and a car pledged by Governor Zulum, while Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris pledged additional N5 million to each of the recipients to further boost their rewards.