The Federal Government on Tuesday took a bold step toward repositioning the teaching profession, rewarding the nation’s overall best teacher, Taiwo Solanke, with N50 million and unveiling EduRevamp, a nationwide programme aimed at transforming teacher development and learning outcomes.
The announcement was made by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. The summit carried the theme “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”
Beyond the N50 million cash reward, Solanke also received a brand new car donated by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment provided by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun—gestures that underscored growing public recognition of excellence in education.
Mrs Tinubu described teachers as the backbone of national development, noting that no country can rise above the quality of its educators. She said restoring dignity to the profession remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education as a driver of sustainable growth.
Drawing from her background as a former teacher, the First Lady stressed that effective education thrives only when teachers are motivated, properly trained and adequately supported. She urged educators to embrace innovation, integrity and excellence in shaping the nation’s future.
At the event, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced that 12 exceptional teachers—two from each of the six geopolitical zones—would also receive N25 million each, cutting across basic and secondary school levels.
Alausa explained that all award recipients were selected through a transparent, merit-driven process involving nominations from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He unveiled EduRevamp as a shift from routine training to performance-based professional development, focused on measurable classroom impact. While the programme is open to all teachers, incentives will primarily target public school educators.
According to the minister, supporting initiatives include the Ignite digital platform, the Diaspora Bridge for STEMM education, the distribution of 60,000 tablets to teachers, and the nationwide expansion of the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme.
He added that the success of the reforms would be judged not by policy declarations, but by improved learning experiences and outcomes for Nigerian students.
FG honours best teacher with N50m, rolls out EduRevamp to transform education
