The Federal Government has said the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies will not diminish the importance of teachers, stressing that human judgement, encouragement and personal connection remain essential to effective learning.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this on Monday in Abuja while commemorating the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA).
Alausa, who spoke on the theme, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World,” said Nigeria must prepare teachers to adopt emerging technologies without compromising professional standards and the core values of teaching.
He stressed the need to equip Nigerian teachers with the knowledge and skills required to use emerging technologies responsibly and confidently while protecting the integrity and professional identity of the teaching profession.
The minister said the Federal Government would continue to work with state governments and other stakeholders to improve the conditions under which teachers operate.
Alausa stressed that a child’s educational opportunity should not depend on geography, family income or circumstances, saying teachers in both urban and rural schools should have access to the tools and institutional support needed to help learners succeed.
He congratulated recipients of the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards, describing the recognition as a demonstration of the importance of teaching excellence to Nigeria’s education system.
He said the awards were designed to recognise outstanding teachers, school administrators and schools for professionalism, innovation and leadership.
The minister urged the award recipients to use the recognition as an opportunity to inspire other educators and promote higher standards across the education sector.He also assured teachers who did not receive awards that their contributions remained valuable to the country.
Alausa said every lesson prepared by a teacher, every child encouraged and every young person whose confidence is strengthened contributes to Nigeria’s future.
