The Federal Government has said artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies cannot replace the judgement, encouragement and human connection provided by professional teachers.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards ceremony.

Alausa, who spoke on the theme, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World,” said while technology was transforming how knowledge was accessed and used, teachers remained indispensable to quality education.

He said the government would therefore prioritise the professional development of teachers and equip them to use emerging technologies, including AI, responsibly and confidently without compromising professional standards and values.

According to him, teachers deserve professional respect, continuous career development, appropriate teaching resources, fair recognition and good working conditions.

“Technology and Artificial Intelligence are changing how knowledge is accessed and used. These tools can help teachers reach learners and tailor instruction, but the judgement, encouragement and human connection of a skilled teacher remain indispensable,” he said.

Alausa said the administration of President Bola Tinubu recognised that quality education for Nigerian children could not be achieved without a strong and respected teaching profession.

He said ongoing education reforms were focused on creating better learning environments, strengthening institutions, providing skills for a changing economy, improving the use of reliable data and enhancing teacher welfare and continuous professional development.

The minister also called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, school leaders, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents to improve teacher preparation, development and recognition.

He said teachers serving in both urban and rural communities must have the tools and institutional support required to help every learner succeed, regardless of geography, family income or circumstance.

Alausa also stressed the importance of recognising excellence in the teaching profession, saying the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards were designed to honour 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.

“Your achievement is not only a personal or institutional distinction; it is an example from which others can learn,” he said.

The minister, however, extended his appreciation to teachers who were not among the awardees, saying their daily contributions to the education and development of Nigerian children remained valuable to the nation.

“Every lesson you prepare, every child you encourage and every young person whose confidence you build matters to Nigeria’s future,” he said.

Alausa said the Federal Government’s commitment to teachers must go beyond annual celebrations, stressing that their service required sustained investment, respect and partnership throughout the year.

He said millions of Nigerian children enter classrooms daily with “hopes, abilities, questions and dreams,” placing an extraordinary responsibility on teachers to transform their potential into possibilities.

He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to protecting the dignity of teaching, advancing its professional standing and ensuring that teachers were equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world.