By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has recognised outstanding teachers and schools that have excelled in the noble task of nation-building through education.
As part of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the grand finale of the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards took place on Sunday at Eagle Square, Abuja, under the theme “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
Felix Fayomi of Idepe High School, Okitipupa, Ondo State, honoured as Best Public School Teacher, received a N3.5 million cash award in recognition of his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.
Emmanuel Ozor Charles of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo, received the Best Public Private School Teacher award, also accompanied by a N3.5 million prize. Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ansar-Udeen Main School, Kemta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, took home the Best Teacher (CAR) award for his exceptional commitment to nurturing young minds and driving academic excellence.
In the Basic School category, Woliwo Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, won the Best School (BUS) award, while Onike Girls Junior High School, Lagos, received the Best Junior Secondary School (BUS) award for its outstanding performance in academics, discipline, and girl-child empowerment.
The Best School Leader award, along with a N3.5 million cash prize, went to Mrs. Odenike Fausat Mobolaji of Elepe Community Junior High School, Ikorodu, Lagos, recognised for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and commitment to school improvement and teacher development.
Ubani Roseblund Ibiyiye of Federal Government College, Abuloma, received the coveted Best Teacher prize of N3.5 million, representing the pinnacle of excellence in Nigeria’s teaching community.
The ceremony formed part of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day activities, celebrated annually on October 5, to highlight teachers’ empowerment, motivation, and their role in shaping the future of education.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering teachers through policies and programmes that promote collaboration, continuous professional development, and national progress.
“It is remarkable that the global community is acknowledging the selfless dedication of teachers who remain the foundation of development in all climes. Rewarding teachers is an investment in quality education, student achievement, and national progress,” he said.
Dr. Alausa emphasised that collaboration among teachers leads to improved learning outcomes and greater professional fulfilment.
“When teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers experience professional growth,” he stated.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out several initiatives to revitalise the teaching profession, including the implementation of the National Teacher Policy, which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered, motivated, and supported through continuous training.
The event also included the presentation of awards to deserving state governors, trophies for the best march past, and the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards.