Nigeria's Education Minister Pledges Investment in Teachers

At the 2026 World Teachers’ Day commemoration and the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA) ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, pledged more investment in teachers. He highlighted the theme of the event, which challenges the nation to convert goodwill into action, asserting that teachers deserve respect, development opportunities, and good working conditions.

Dr Alausa credited President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing education in his Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasized that a child's opportunities should not be limited by their circumstances. He also recognized outstanding teachers and school administrators through the PTSEA.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Deputy President Kizito Kalu, renewed calls for the implementation of a special salary scale for teachers, which was approved under the late President Muhammadu Buhari's administration but has yet to be enacted. Kalu also pointed out the acute shortage of teachers in rural areas due to inadequate recruitment.