First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has hailed Nigerian teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations” while charging them to embrace innovation amid government pledges to revamp education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”
As a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady drew from personal experience to underscore teachers’ pivotal role.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope”.
“I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies,” she said.
The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s new “Edu Revamp Portal,” launched to drive continuous professional development.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal’, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning. The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
“To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders,” the First Lady said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described teachers as “nation builders, characters shapers, and custodians of our collective future”.
Represented by Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, AbdulRazaq said, “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers.”
Noting that teachers serve over 70 million learners in urban, rural, conflict zones, riverine, and nomadic areas, he called empowerment “a strategic imperative for national development, social stability, and economic growth.”
Earlier, Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced cash rewards for top educators and announced the launch of EduRevamp portal at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, declaring teachers the “foundation of national development.”
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected. When teachers thrive, learners succeed, systems grow stronger and nations move forward.”
He revealed a merit-based awards process, with three nominees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT at basic and senior secondary levels. After rigorous selection, 12 finalists emerged – six from basic education and six from senior secondary.
“These educators represent the very best of this profession: professionalism, integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to learners,” the Minister said.
“Each will receive ₦25 million, with the overall Best Teacher of the Year winning ₦50 million. This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria.”
The highlight of the summit was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, scooping ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat as promised by Ogun Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun (to be built in any area of his choice in the state), and a car pledged by Borno Governor Prof Babagana Zulum.
