Mary Adebayo, a teacher from Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School Senior in Obantoko Abeokuta, Ogun State, has emerged as the overall best teacher in Nigeria in the 2026 President's Teachers and Schools' Excellent Awards. She was rewarded with a brand new car as the star prize. The award ceremony was held in Abuja on Monday to mark the 2026 World Teachers Day.
The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who presented the awards to the recipients on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Alausa congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding work and encouraged them to continue making a positive impact in the education sector. The theme of this year's World Teachers Day was "standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing the status and shaping our future."
Other winners of the award include Gloria Nkolika Odionu from Awada Primary School IV, Obosi, Anambra State, who emerged as the overall best administrator and was rewarded with a car. Federal Government College, Otobi, was rewarded with a bus as the overall best school, while Abraham Nnaluka Ngobir from Federal Government College, Enugu, won a brand new car as the best Unity School teacher.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Titus Amba, represented by the Deputy President, Kizito Kalu, reiterated the union's commitment to promoting the well-being of teachers and advocating for quality education. He emphasized that teachers are critical agents of social and economic transformation and should be accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society.
Amba called on governments at all levels to provide teachers with decent remuneration, safe and conducive working environments, opportunities for continuous professional development, and improved conditions of service. He also advocated for decisive action on improved remuneration and welfare, insisting that teachers must receive remuneration that reflects the importance of their responsibilities and the prevailing economic realities in the country.
The NUT president recalled that the Federal Government under late President Muhammadu Buhari approved a special salary scale for teachers in basic and secondary schools in 2022, but its implementation has not commenced four years after. He renewed the call on the government to actualize the new salary regime for teachers to boost their morale and enhance their dignity.
Amba also highlighted the challenges facing teachers, including acute shortages in schools across states, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate furniture, and insufficient instructional materials. He advocated for sustained investment in school infrastructure and provision of safe, healthy, and conducive teaching and learning environments to enable teachers to perform optimally.
Key points
- Mary Adebayo from Ogun State wins best teacher award in Nigeria
- The award ceremony was held to mark the 2026 World Teachers Day
- NUT president calls for improved remuneration and welfare for teachers
