In a moving celebration of excellence and dedication, the Kaduna State Government has rewarded 23 of its most outstanding teachers with ₦500,000 each, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to education across the state. The awards were presented during a special ceremony to mark World Teachers’ Day 2025, themed “Recasting Teachers as a Collaborative Profession.”
The event, which held in Kaduna, was part of the state’s new Kaduna Best Teacher Award initiative, organised in partnership with UNICEF and other development agencies. Out of 115 nominated teachers from the 23 local government areas, the top 23 were honoured for their commitment, creativity, and impact on learners in their communities.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by senior education officials at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to raising education standards and improving teachers’ welfare. He announced that 26.14 per cent of the state’s 2025 budget had been allocated to the education sector — one of the highest in the country — underscoring the government’s belief that education remains the cornerstone of sustainable development.
“Teachers are the architects of our future. Their work goes beyond the classroom; they shape generations and define the destiny of our communities,” the governor said.
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Top Prize Winner Gets Cash, Scholarships, and Global Opportunities
The overall best teacher, Esther Affun from Chikun Local Government Area, received not only the ₦500,000 prize but also an educational scholarship to upgrade her HND to a B.Ed, alongside sponsorship opportunities to pursue MSc and PhD programmes.
Each of the 23 awardees received ₦500,000 and a Certificate of Excellence, while all 115 nominated teachers will be eligible for soft loans through the newly introduced Uba Sani Special Scholarship International Programme. According to state officials, the loan scheme is designed to help teachers further their education, fund research, or support innovative classroom projects.
Mubarak Mohammed, Acting Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), described the award as “a turning point for teacher motivation and professional pride.” He explained that the selection process was rigorous and transparent, involving various agencies such as the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Kaduna Board for Educational Assessment and Monitoring (KADBEAM), Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Agency (KSSQAA), and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
“This recognition is not just about money; it’s about restoring dignity and respect to the teaching profession,” Mohammed said. “We want our teachers to know that excellence will not go unnoticed in Kaduna.”
Partners, Traditional Leaders, and NGOs Laud the Initiative
The event brought together government officials, education stakeholders, traditional leaders, and international development partners. UNICEF, Save the Children, PLANE, Zenith Bank, Nigerian Breweries, and ROOSC were among the organisations that supported the awards.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Jibril Muhammad Magaji, the District Head of Kawo, representing the Emir of Zazzau, praised the state government for recognising teachers’ pivotal role in nation-building.
“There’s no profession that exists without a teacher,” he said. “Kaduna has set a powerful example for other states to emulate.”
Similarly, Diana Agabi, PLANE’s State Team Lead, hailed the initiative as a practical step toward improving teacher morale and promoting excellence in public education. She confirmed that the Kaduna Best Teacher Award would now become an annual event, ensuring continuous recognition and motivation for educators.
Emmanuel Mbursa, representing Save the Children Nigeria, also commended the initiative, noting that consistent teacher recognition and welfare improvement would directly influence learning outcomes among students.
A Vision for the Future of Education in Kaduna
Beyond the glitz of the ceremony, the Kaduna State Government’s message was clear — the future of education depends on empowered teachers. By institutionalising teacher recognition, offering scholarships, and allocating a record portion of the state budget to education, the government aims to transform the classroom experience for both teachers and students.
The Uba Sani Special Scholarship International Programme is expected to become a major support framework for teachers seeking further education or professional development. The initiative promises to make Kaduna a hub of educational excellence in Northern Nigeria, aligning with the government’s broader vision of revitalising public education and reducing learning poverty.
Governor Sani’s administration has also pledged continued collaboration with international partners and private organisations to sustain teacher motivation programmes and invest in digital teaching tools, classroom technology, and school infrastructure.
“Rewarding teachers is not a one-day affair; it’s an ongoing commitment to building a smarter, more capable generation,” said Diana Agabi of PLANE.
As Kaduna continues to prioritise education, the state hopes to inspire a ripple effect nationwide — encouraging other states to value, reward, and invest in the people shaping the next generation of Nigerians.
Conclusion
Kaduna’s recognition of 23 teachers out of 115 nominees is more than a celebration — it is a statement of intent. It highlights the belief that teaching excellence deserves visibility and reward, and that investing in teachers is investing in the state’s future.
From cash prizes to lifelong learning opportunities, the Kaduna Best Teacher Award is a model for sustainable educational development in Nigeria. With the promise of annual recognition and continuous capacity building, the programme has set a new standard for teacher motivation and educational innovation across the country.
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