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, school administrators, and education stakeholders under the global theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
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 explained that teachers who work together and share lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom experiences contribute greatly to improving the education system. “A collaborative teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies while remaining humble enough to learn from others,” he said.
Dr. Alausa described teachers as the foundation of human capital development and nation-building, noting that the Ministry has introduced several policies, including the National Teacher Policy, to empower and motivate teachers across the country. He said the Ministry is also 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 added.
The Minister commended all stakeholders for achieving positive milestones in improving teachers’ welfare and urged community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to continue supporting the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, stated that the 2025 celebration aligns with the global movement led by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International to recognize the crucial role of teachers in achieving sustainable development. She highlighted that the Ministry is currently implementing several initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in schools across Nigeria. These initiatives, she said, aim 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 said. She added that these efforts will raise teacher quality, professional pride, and excellence while attracting more young talents into the profession.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, explained that collaborative teaching has been globally recognized as a powerful tool for improving learning outcomes. He said the Ministry, working with its agencies and state education ministries, is embedding collaboration and continuous professional development into teacher training and classroom practice. He noted that this effort aligns with the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers, which calls for improved working conditions and support for educators.
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, which were first instituted in 2007 to honor deserving teachers and schools. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support for teacher welfare and recognition.
Comrade Amba also 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, especially in unity schools. He cautioned against the privatization of education, warning that such a move could increase inequality and limit access to quality education for many Nigerian children.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding educators and institutions across the country. Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, was named the 2025 Best Education Governor for his recruitment of over 7,000 teachers and the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage for teachers in his state. Other honourees included Governors Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for their notable contributions to improving education at the state level.
Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School, Kemta–Abeokuta, Ogun State, received the award for Best Teacher and was presented with a brand-new 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 school bus. Mrs. Odenike Fausat Mobolaji of Elepe Community Junior High School, Ikorodu, Lagos, emerged as the Best School Leader, winning a ₦3.5 million cash prize.
The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong resolve to enhance teachers’ welfare, promote collaboration, and reward excellence. The event underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that teachers are motivated, supported, and empowered to deliver quality education that meets global standards.