* NUT demands better welfare for members
By Rosemary Ogbonna
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has stated that no other profession can exist without teachers, describing educators as the foundation and backbone of the society.
This was even as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has made a passionate demand for better welfare of its members across the country.
Speaking during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day (WTD) commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA) at the Eagles Square in Abuja on Monday, Alausa noted that every doctor, engineer, scientist, and public servant owes their success to a teacher.
Alausa said teachers in cities and rural communities, in public and private schools, bear one of society’s most consequential responsibilities — preparing the next generation.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Protecting and advancing the status of the teaching profession in a rapidly changing world,’ Alausa said the theme demands turning appreciation into lasting support through professional respect, career development, resources, recognition and improved working conditions.
While acknowledging that technology and Artificial Intelligence are reshaping learning, he said the judgement, encouragement and human connection of a skilled teacher remain irreplaceable.
The minister said progress in the education sector is possible because President Bola Tinubu has made education central to the Renewed Hope Agenda and invested in the Nigerian child.
He said renewal efforts are focused on better learning environments, stronger institutions, skills for a changing economy, reliable data, teacher welfare and continuous professional development.
”Mr President’s support reflects a conviction we all share deeply: that a child’s opportunities must not be limited by geography, family income or circumstance,” he said.
On the PTSEA awards, Alausa said the President’s association with the awards signals that teaching excellence deserves the highest national regard.
He congratulated recipients for their professionalism, innovation and leadership, and urged them to inspire others.
He also assured teachers who did not receive awards that their work is seen and valued.
”The Federal Government remains committed to providing leadership and resources, but we cannot do this work alone,” he said, calling for collaboration with states, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the dignity of the teaching profession and equipping teachers to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Also speaking, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, said the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges confronting the teaching profession.
Amba said the recommendation remained an important guide for education planners and policymakers, particularly as the profession faces rapid technological changes.
The NUT President urged stakeholders to strengthen teacher education, improve working conditions and protect the dignity and professional status of teachers.
He further warned that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies should complement rather than replace teachers.
“No education system can rise above the quality, commitment and welfare of its teachers.
“Technology must serve as a tool to empower teachers, enhance their effectiveness and improve learning outcomes, not as a substitute for the human connection, professional judgment, empathy and mentorship that teachers bring to the classroom,” Amba said.
The NUT also commended the Federal Government for sustaining the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards, describing the initiative as an important platform for recognising outstanding teachers and high-performing schools.
The 2026 celebration also featured recognition of outstanding teachers and schools, with the Federal Government having digitised the award selection process to improve transparency, accountability and documentation.
Both Alausa and Amba called on governments, professional bodies, parents, development partners and other stakeholders to work together to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and ensure that teachers receive the respect, resources and support required to prepare for the next generation.
Daily NewsCraft reports that the event marked the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It had as its global theme, ‘Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.’
UNESCO said the 2026 observance focuses on emerging challenges to teachers’ professional, material and social status.