Education Summit: Teachers Are ‘Quiet Architects’ Of Nigeria’s Future — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu As Ogun Teacher Wins N50m, Flat, Car As Overall Best

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.

Speaking at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026 themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Senator Tinubu stressed that meaningful national development can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.

Drawing from her background as a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady underscored the central role teachers play in shaping societies.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies,” she said.

She commended the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the Edu Revamp Portal, a digital platform designed to promote continuous professional development for teachers nationwide.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal’, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done,” she added.

Senator Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that quality teaching remains the bedrock of sustainable national development.
“The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world,” she stated, while charging teachers to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future.” He was represented at the summit by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum.

According to him, no education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers, noting that Nigerian teachers currently serve over 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine, and nomadic communities. He described teacher empowerment as a strategic imperative for national development, social stability, and economic growth.
Earlier, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the launch of the EduRevamp Portal and unveiled substantial cash rewards for outstanding teachers, describing educators as the foundation of national development.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected,” he said.

The minister explained that a merit-based selection process produced 12 finalists—six each from basic and senior secondary education—drawn from nominations across the 36 states and the FCT. Each finalist will receive N25 million, while the overall Best Teacher of the Year will take home N50 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 was awarded N50 million, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to be built in any location of his choice within the state, and a car donated by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum.

Speaking on the summit and awards, Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noted that the recognition of teachers at the national level reflects the Tinubu administration’s resolve to restore dignity, excellence, and pride to the teaching profession.

She described the summit as a strong national signal that teachers remain central to Nigeria’s present and future development.