Yobe Educator Gambo Lawan Honored with N25 Million National Teachers Award
In a moment of educational triumph, Mrs Gambo Lawan, a dedicated teacher from Yobe State, has been celebrated as the Best Teacher in the North-East region at the prestigious 2026 National Teachers Award ceremony. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education, took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Lawan received a substantial N25 million cash prize alongside a tertiary education scholarship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the teaching profession.
Surprise Victory for Dedicated Educator
Mrs Lawan, who teaches at Yerimaram Government Day Junior Secondary School in Potiskum, Yobe State, expressed profound gratitude and surprise at receiving the national honor. "I am extremely grateful to God for this recognition," she stated. "It is the result of years of hard work, patience, consistency, and love for teaching. Honestly, I was overwhelmed. I did not expect it, but I kept believing that whatever the outcome, God's will would prevail."
The award has significantly strengthened her commitment to the education sector, with Lawan emphasizing that this honor extends beyond her personal achievement to benefit Yobe State and her school community. "This award has encouraged me to do even more for my students," she affirmed, highlighting how the recognition serves as motivation for continued excellence in classroom practice.
Rigorous Selection Process and Educational Excellence
According to officials from the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, the selection process for the National Teachers Award was characterized by:
- Transparency and merit-based evaluation
- Emphasis on classroom innovation
- Measurable learning outcomes
- Professionalism in teaching practice
This rigorous approach ensured that only the most deserving educators received national recognition, with Lawan's achievement reflecting her outstanding performance across these critical criteria.
Broader Context of Educational Achievement in Yobe
Lawan's national award arrives within a context of educational successes for Yobe State. Just months prior to this ceremony, three students from the state demonstrated remarkable academic prowess at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London:
- Nafisa Abdullahi
- Rukayya Muhammad-Fema
- Hadiza Kashim-Kalli
These students excelled in various competitions including spelling bees, writing challenges, and knowledge quizzes, showcasing the quality of education emerging from Yobe State institutions.
National Commitment to Teacher Welfare and Development
The 2026 National Teachers Award ceremony served as a platform for education leaders to reaffirm their commitment to several key areas:
- Teacher welfare and timely payment of entitlements
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational reforms tied to classroom performance
This national event follows similar recognition programs, including the 2025 awards where Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State emerged as Nigeria's Overall Best Teacher, receiving N50 million, a flat, and a car. The federal government distributed a total of N325 million to twelve outstanding teachers selected from all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory during that ceremony.
Across Nigeria, various state governments are implementing measures to support educators, such as Governor Alex Otti's approval of adjusted minimum wage for Abia State education staff and teachers. These developments reflect growing recognition of teachers' vital role in national development and the importance of investing in educational excellence at all levels.
