FG Honors 12 Teachers, Reaffirms Education Reform Drive

The Federal Government honored twelve exceptional educators from across Nigeria as part of the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026. The event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to teacher empowerment and educational reform.

This honor is given to educators who had demonstrated extraordinary service and commitment to their profession.

Why Teachers Were Honoured

Official reports state that the prizes were a part of the government’s larger initiative to support ongoing changes in the education system, improve teacher welfare, and inspire educators.

Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, stated that the awards were intended to uplift the teaching profession and promote excellence among educators nationwide.

He emphasized that effective education changes cannot be implemented without skilled, driven, and well-supported educators. Teachers are essential to the success of a country.

What the Honorees Received

According to People’s Gazzette, the honorees at the basic education category include Blessing Ikong, Chinwe Ituma, Gombo Lawan, Taiwo Solanke, Khadijat Galadima, and Okide Ochike.

At the Secondary Category, they include Johanna Gilando, David Joseph, Musa Haruba, Hope Ifetike, Lawal Obafemi, and Bashir Hantsi are in the secondary category.

Punch further reported honorees received a prize of N25 million each. However, Solanke Taiwo, the South-West category’s Overall Best Teacher of the Year received a prize of N50 million.

The governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, will also give Taiwo a brand-new automobile in addition to the financial award, and the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, will give him a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment.

Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi State, also promised each awardee an extra N5 million gift.

Government’s Position on Education Reform

According to reports, Alausa told journalists that the selection of the 12 awardees was “transparent and merit‑based.” It represented the government’s emphasis on restoring the dignity of the teaching profession and empowering educators.

He referred to teaching as “a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” and emphasized that no reform would be successful unless teachers were encouraged, supported, and respected.

Additionally, he stated that the award is in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a high priority on teacher support and education quality improvements as key pillars of national growth.

Conclusion

According to experts, Nigeria has continued to struggle with issues like teacher shortages, inadequate classroom supplies, and student learning gaps.

However, the government’s recent emphasis on teacher recognition and training initiatives is consistent with larger initiatives to enhance national learning outcomes and undo decades of underfunding.