Education: First Lady applauds teachers as Ogun instructor wins N50m, gifts as overall best

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu appreciates Nigerian teachers as the ‘quiet architects of meaningful educational and national progress that needs to be adequately equipped, motivated, and supported as a teacher in Ogun State wins N50 million, a flat and car as overall best in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has lauded the Nigerian teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations”.

The First Lady charged them to embrace innovation amid government pledges to revamp education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Oluremi Tinubu, in a keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, with the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the Education System”, held in the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, FCT.

First Lady underscores teachers’ pivotal role

Senator Tinubu as well emphasised that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”

As a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady drew from personal experience to underscore teachers’ pivotal role.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, in a statement Tuesday, January 27, 2026, also noted Senator Oluremi Tinubu asserted: “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.”

The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s new “Edu Revamp Portal,” launched to drive continuous professional development.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘EduRevamp 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 further explained: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning.

“The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”

The First Lady stated: “To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication.

“I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”

Kwara Governor: Teachers are custodians of collective future

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

Governor AbdulRazaq said: “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers.” Noting teachers serve over 70 million learners in urban, rural, conflict zones, riverine, and nomadic areas, the governor called empowerment “a strategic imperative for national development, social stability, and economic growth.”

On launch of EduRevamp Portal

Earlier, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, had announced cash rewards for top educators and announced the launch of EduRevamp portal at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, declaring teachers the “foundation of national development.”

Dr. Alausa stated: “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.

“When teachers thrive, learners succeed, systems grow stronger and nations move forward.”

He also disclosed that a merit-based awards process, with three nominees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT at basic and senior secondary levels.

Alausa: How Solanke Francis Taiwo, and other winners emerged from across Nigeria

The statement noted that after rigorous selection, 12 finalists emerged – six from basic education and six from senior secondary.

Minister Alausa stated: “These educators represent the very best of this profession: professionalism, integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to learners.”

According to Alausa, each will receive ₦25 million, with the overall Best Teacher of the Year winning ₦50 million.

He averred: “This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria.”

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.

Solanke carted away gifts, including ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat as promised by Ogun Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun (to be built in any area of his choice in the state), and a car pledged by Governor (Prof.) Babagana Zulum of Borno State, North-East Nigeria.

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