2026 World Teachers Day: Teachers To Get Cars & Laptops, As Award Selection Process Goes Digital

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, has disclosed that the selection process for the 2026 President's Teachers' and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA) has been fully digitalised, replacing the previous manual system ahead of this year's World Teachers Day Celebration.

Prof. Ahmad made this known during a press briefing and symposium held in Abuja ahead of the celebration, scheduled for Monday, October 5. She explained that the new digital system, developed by the Ministry in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and in line with African Union guidelines, would provide a more credible and properly documented framework for identifying and rewarding excellence in the teaching profession, while strengthening transparency, accountability and fairness in the selection of awardees.

Speaking on this year's theme, "Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa's Future," the Minister identified five interconnected pillars shaping the celebration: innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence. She said innovation would promote creative teaching approaches and locally relevant solutions to improve learning, while mobility would encourage professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders. Artificial intelligence, she noted, would support personalised learning and data-informed decision-making, provided it is deployed responsibly, ethically and inclusively, and always in a way that complements rather than diminishes teachers' professional judgement.

On inclusion, Prof. Ahmad stressed the need to guarantee equitable access to quality education for learners regardless of gender, ability, socioeconomic background or geographical location. Professional excellence, she added, would require sustained investment in continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers' leadership role in national and continental development.

The Minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Education coordinates the annual World Teachers' Day celebration and its associated awards in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). She disclosed that this year's programme would also include a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies to examine the five thematic pillars and develop practical approaches to strengthening the profession.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Director of Educational Support Services, Mr. Gabriel Amudipe Oluwole, highlighted the central role teachers play in delivering quality education and supporting learners' holistic development. He noted that planning for this year's awards involved reviewing relevant instruments, coordinating assessment activities, and verifying applications, with particular attention paid to safeguarding, facilities and governance.

Representing the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union's Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, said the evolving nature of education made it necessary to strengthen rather than diminish the professional standing of teachers. He called for sustained investment in teachers' digital skills and continuous professional development, stressing that technology should complement, not replace, teachers' expertise and judgement.

On October 5, teachers from the 36 states and the FCT are expected to take part in a colourful march past, featuring state flags and cultural attire, symbolising Nigeria's unity and diversity. Fourteen outstanding teachers and schools will be honoured during the event, with cars going to the top three teachers, a bus for the best Federal Unity College, and laptops for other awardees.

Prof. Ahmad commended the support of State Governments, development partners and other stakeholders, and called on the media to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage that deepens public appreciation of teachers' role in nation-building.

Sources: Honourable Minister of State for Education; Federal Ministry of Education (Official X pages)