FG Rewards Nigeria’s Best Teacher with N50m, Launches EduRevamp to Overhaul Education Sector

The Federal Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the teaching profession by awarding the nation’s overall best teacher, Taiwo Solanke, a cash prize of N50 million and introducing EduRevamp, a nationwide initiative designed to enhance teacher development and improve learning outcomes.
The announcement was made by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, during the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. The summit was themed “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”
In addition to the N50 million prize, Solanke received a brand new car donated by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, as well as a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment provided by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. The gestures highlighted the increasing recognition of excellence and dedication within the education sector.
Mrs Tinubu described teachers as the foundation of national development, stressing that no nation can surpass the quality of its educators. She noted that restoring dignity and respect to the teaching profession is a core component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of sustainable national growth.
Drawing from her experience as a former teacher, the First Lady emphasised that quality education can only be achieved when teachers are motivated, well-trained and adequately supported. She encouraged educators across the country to uphold innovation, integrity and excellence as they mould future generations.
Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced that 12 outstanding teachers—two from each of the six geopolitical zones—would receive N25 million each. The awards cut across both basic and secondary school levels.
According to Alausa, the selection of award recipients followed a transparent and merit-based process, with nominations drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that EduRevamp represents a departure from routine training programmes, shifting instead to performance-driven professional development with emphasis on measurable impact in the classroom. While the programme is open to all teachers, incentives will largely focus on those in public schools.
The minister further disclosed that complementary initiatives include the Ignite digital learning platform, the Diaspora Bridge for STEMM education, the distribution of 60,000 tablets to teachers nationwide, and the expansion of the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme.
He added that the true measure of the reforms would not lie in policy pronouncements alone, but in tangible improvements in learning experiences and academic outcomes for Nigerian students.