The Federal Government has said more than 51,000 teachers have received training under its ongoing efforts to strengthen the teaching profession and improve learning outcomes across Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a message marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, while Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said academic staff pay had increased by 40 per cent under the current administration.
Alausa said teachers remained central to the country’s education system, describing their work as extending beyond classroom instruction to nurturing students and preparing them for future opportunities.
“Teachers do far more than teach. They inspire confidence, nurture potential and open doors of opportunity for millions of Nigerian children every single day,” the minister said.
He said the Federal Government was prioritising teacher advancement and professional development as part of efforts to improve the quality of education under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Alausa listed the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), Accelerated Teacher Professional Programme (ATPP), the revitalisation of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), as well as the EduRevamp programme, among initiatives aimed at strengthening teachers’ capacity, welfare and career progression.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to strengthening the teaching profession, expanding opportunities for teachers and building an education system that works for every Nigerian learner,” he said.
The minister said the government’s focus was to ensure that teachers were adequately supported, empowered and equipped to deliver better learning outcomes.
In a separate message to mark the occasion, Ahmad said more than 51,000 teachers had been trained, while academic staff pay had risen by 40 per cent.
“Happy National Teachers’ Day to our dedicated teachers across Nigeria! Your patience and sacrifice are shaping the future of our nation,” she said.
She also said the country’s schools were operating on a stable academic calendar, adding that the government would continue investing in teachers.
“We will keep investing in you, because you are the true builders of our future,” Ahmad said.
The ministers’ messages came as Nigeria joined other countries to mark World Teachers’ Day, an annual occasion used to highlight the contribution of teachers to education and the need to improve their working conditions and professional development.
Alausa acknowledged teachers working across the country, thanking them for their contribution to the education of Nigerian children.
“To every teacher, in every classroom, in every community across our country: thank you. We see you, we value you, and we celebrate you,” he said.
