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The Federal Government has honoured outstanding teachers, school administrators and educational institutions across Nigeria at the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA).
The awards were presented during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja on Monday, October 5, as part of efforts to recognise exceptional contributions to teaching, school leadership and educational development.
Mary Adebayo, a teacher at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School Senior, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, emerged as the Overall Best Teacher in Nigeria and received a brand-new car.
Gloria Nkolika Odionu of Awada Primary School IV, Obosi, Anambra State, emerged as the Overall Best School Administrator and was also rewarded with a car.
In the Federal Unity Colleges category, Abraham Nnaluka Ngobir of Federal Government College, Enugu, was named the Best Unity School Teacher and received a new car.
Meanwhile, Federal Government College, Otobi, Benue State, emerged as the Overall Best School and was rewarded with a bus.
Other award recipients received prizes including laptops as part of the Federal Government’s recognition programme.
The awards were presented by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier announced that the 2026 awards selection process was digitalised, replacing the previous manual process. According to the ministry, the change was designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, documentation and confidence in the selection of outstanding teachers and schools.
The PTSEA programme covers teachers, school administrators and schools across the country, with nominations coordinated through state ministries of education and designated Federal Unity College structures.
The Federal Government said the awards are intended not only to reward individual excellence but also to encourage professionalism, innovation and improved educational outcomes across Nigeria.
The ceremony formed part of activities marking World Teachers’ Day 2026, which focused on strengthening the status of teachers and preparing the profession for changes driven by technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.
Education Minister Alausa also pledged continued government support for professional development, improved working conditions, appropriate teaching resources and greater recognition for Nigerian teachers.
The major confirmed winners include:
• Overall Best Teacher: Mary Adebayo — Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School Senior, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State — Brand-new car
• Overall Best School Administrator: Gloria Nkolika Odionu — Awada Primary School IV, Obosi, Anambra State — Brand-new car
• Best Federal Unity School Teacher: Abraham Nnaluka Ngobir — Federal Government College, Enugu — Brand-new car
• Overall Best School: Federal Government College, Otobi, Benue State — Bus
The Federal Government’s official PTSEA platform says the awards are its premier national recognition programme for teachers, administrators and schools demonstrating exceptional professionalism, innovation, leadership and measurable contributions to education.
