The federal government of Nigeria has introduced a digital selection process for the 2026 Presidents’ Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards, PTSEA. This move aims to promote transparency, accountability, security, and proper documentation in the selection of outstanding teachers and schools. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, announced this development in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 and has been celebrated since 1994. The 2026 edition marks not only the annual celebration but also 60 years of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This recommendation established international standards relating to teachers’ rights, responsibilities, preparation, recruitment, employment, and working conditions. The digital selection process was introduced in line with African Union guidelines.
According to Prof. Ahmad, the annual celebration, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), would focus on transforming the teaching profession. The focus areas include preparing teachers for the demands of a rapidly changing world. The celebration would focus on five interconnected pillars: innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion, and professional excellence.
A total of 14 teachers, schools, and other education stakeholders would be recognised under the 2026 awards. The first, second, and third-best teachers would receive prizes, while other awardees would receive laptops. This year's celebration would feature teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participating in a march-past. The event would showcase unity, diversity, and cooperation through state flags and cultural attire.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has emphasised the importance of strengthening the professional role of teachers in the changing nature of education. Comrade Titus Amba, the NUT President, through Deputy National President, Kizito Kalu, stated that technology and artificial intelligence were transforming education. However, teachers must remain at the centre of the learning process.
Kalu further stressed that a strong education system cannot be built without a strong, respected, and adequately supported teaching profession. Teachers need to be equipped to navigate technological changes with confidence and competence. The future of education must be one where teachers are empowered to adapt, innovate, and continue to exercise their professional judgement.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, scheduled for October 5, marks a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of teachers in Nigeria. With the digitalized selection process and focus on professional excellence, the event aims to promote the teaching profession and prepare teachers for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Key points
- The federal government has digitalized the selection process for the 2026 Presidents’ Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards to ensure transparency and accountability.
- The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration marks 60 years of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
- The celebration would focus on five interconnected pillars: innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion, and professional excellence.
