By Our Reporter
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations,” urging them to embrace innovation as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reposition the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senator Tinubu made the call while delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
She stressed that meaningful national development could only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported, noting that education remains a critical pillar of sustainable development.
Drawing from her experience as a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady highlighted the enduring influence teachers have in shaping societies, values and future leadership.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope,” she said, adding that she understood firsthand the demands and responsibilities of the profession.
Senator Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Education for launching the Edu Revamp Portal, an initiative designed to promote continuous professional development for teachers nationwide. She described the platform as a major step toward improving learning outcomes across the country.
She reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional growth and skills development to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
The First Lady also charged teachers to pursue excellence, uphold integrity and embrace innovation as they shape the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described teachers as nation builders and custodians of Nigeria’s collective future. He was represented at the event by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum.
Governor AbdulRazaq noted that no education system could rise above the quality, motivation and welfare of its teachers, stressing that teacher empowerment was a strategic imperative for national development, social stability and economic growth.
Earlier, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced cash rewards for outstanding educators and officially unveiled the EduRevamp Portal at the summit. He described teachers as the foundation of national development, emphasizing that no reform could succeed without empowered and respected teachers.
According to him, a merit-based selection process produced 12 finalists—six from basic education and six from senior secondary schools—drawn from nominees across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Each finalist is to receive ₦25 million, while the Overall Best Teacher of the Year will receive ₦50 million.
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. He won a cash prize of ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat promised by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to be built in any location of his choice within the state, and a car pledged by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.