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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Kaduna State Government has honoured 23 of 115 outstanding teachers across its 23 local government areas at the maiden Best Teacher Award Ceremony, with N500,000 each and a certificate of excellence.
The overall best teacher, Esther Affun from Chikun LGA, received an additional N500,000 and a special scholarship to upgrade her Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) as well as opportunities to pursue M.Sc and PhD degrees, courtesy of the state government.
The event held yesterday in Kaduna, was supported by UNICEF and other education partners to mark the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.
Governor Uba Sani described teachers as the “architects of our future” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education.
He noted that 26.14% of the 2025 state budget was allocated to the education sector.
In a major incentive, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Scholarship and Loan Board, Professor Yahaya Ibrahim, announced that all 115 awardees would benefit from soft loans under the Uba Sani Special Scholarship International Programme, with disbursement scheduled to begin on Monday.
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Acting KADSUBEB Chairman, Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed, described the awards as a “defining moment for education in Kaduna,” explaining that the rigorous selection process involved TRCN, KADBEAM, KSSQAA, NUT, SBMC, and the Ministry of Education.
He appreciated the support of partners including UNICEF, Save the Children, PLANE, Zenith Bank, Nigerian Breweries, and ROOSC.
Representing the Emir of Zazzau, the District Head of Kawo, Alhaji Jibril Muhammad Magaji, hailed teachers as the “backbone of society,” noting that no profession exists without them.
Project Director of the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, Emmanuel Mbursa, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Save the Children Nigeria’s Country Director, Mr. Duncan Harvey, commending the state for recognising teachers and pledging continued support for teacher development.
PLANE State Team Lead, Diana Agabi, linked the ceremony to the 2025 World Teachers’ Day theme — “Recasting Teachers as a Collaborative Profession” — urging educators to see the recognition as motivation for greater impact.
The Best Teacher Award Ceremony is expected to become an annual event to inspire professionalism, reward excellence, and enhance learning outcomes across Kaduna State.
