Abuja: The Nigerian Government has announced its commitment to elevate the quality and professional stature of teachers nationwide. This initiative aims to improve teachers’ development and enhance learning outcomes through collaborative policies, digital literacy, and enhanced welfare packages.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Minister of Education Maruf Olatunji Alausa highlighted these efforts during the World Teachers’ Day event in Abuja, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’ Alausa emphasized that supporting teachers through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and digital platforms leads to improved learning outcomes and professional growth for educators.
The Minister detailed the numerous policies initiated by the ministry to revitalize the teaching profession, including the National Teacher Policy, which focuses on professional empowerment and motivation for teachers. He also mentioned the encouragement of peer support structures at school and zonal levels across the country, as well as leveraging ICT to connect teachers and provide access to global best practices.
Alausa noted that the event aligns with Nigeria’s education reform agenda and global initiatives supported by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International. He stressed the importance of recognizing the dedication of teachers, stating that rewarding them is an investment in quality education and national progress.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, praised the government’s efforts in improving teachers’ welfare. However, he urged the government to address the shortage of over 194,000 teachers in rural and urban areas, which undermines Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education for all.
Amba highlighted the alarming shortage of teachers in public primary and secondary schools, emphasizing the need to make teaching more attractive to younger generations. He called on the government to employ the right number and quality of teachers to maintain effective education delivery.
During the event, the Nigerian Government honored exceptional teachers and schools as part of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Eagle Square, Abuja. Emmanuel Ozor Charles of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo, received the award for Best Public Private School Teacher, along with a cash prize of N3.5 million.
Other awardees included Solanke Francis Taiwo, recognized for his dedication to academic excellence, and Woliwo Primary School, which won the Best School (BUS) award. The Best School Leader prize went to Mrs. Odenike Fausat Mobolaji for her exceptional leadership and commitment to teacher development.
The event also celebrated teachers like Fayomi Felix and Ubani Roseblund Ibiyiye for their innovative teaching methods and excellence, with awards of N3.5 million each. State governors from Zamfara, Kogi, and Niger were also commended for their contributions to education growth.
The award ceremony was part of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day activities, which emphasize teacher empowerment and their crucial role in shaping the future of education.