…Rewards best teacher with N50m, unveil EduRevamp
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtau–Zaria Road Project, warning that contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines and specifications risk sanctions.
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of reconstruction works along key sections of the 750-kilometre highway spanning Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States.
Speaking at the inspection of sections from Dange to Shuni in Sokoto State, and onward through Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government would not tolerate undue delays on projects of critical national importance.
According to him, the inspection exercise was conducted in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure strict compliance with approved standards.
Also value for money, and early delivery of projects meant to ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities.
“I am personally leading senior officials of the Ministry across these states to verify the quality of work being delivered and to ensure that contractors live up to their responsibilities,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo said.
He added, “I am also representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, to assess the level of work done and the degree of compliance with approved specifications.”
While noting that some sections of the project recorded commendable progress, the Minister expressed concern over the overall pace of execution, stressing the need for contractors to accelerate work in order to reduce hardship faced by road users.
He cited the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara section, which has attained about 27 per cent completion, as relatively encouraging, but expressed dissatisfaction with the Mafara–Maru–Gusau section, where progress stands at approximately 16 per cent, describing it as unsatisfactory.
The Minister warned that the Federal Government is prepared to restructure the project scope on underperforming sections, including restricting contractors to shorter distances and reassigning outstanding portions to more competent firms if noticeable improvement is not achieved.
Goronyo explained that earlier challenges linked to compensation for affected properties had been resolved, crediting the intervention of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State for facilitating payments and ensuring community cooperation.
He also acknowledged the role of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in coordinating security support that has enhanced safety for workers and equipment along the corridor.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure strategy, the Minister noted that the adoption of concrete pavement technology under the Tinubu administration is aimed at delivering more durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting road infrastructure nationwide.
He further highlighted the ongoing 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway Project as a landmark initiative that revives the long-standing vision of former President Shehu Shagari.
He added that it would significantly enhance connectivity, boost trade, and promote national integration.
Goronyo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for infrastructure development the priority it deserves, describing road infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic growth, national integration and shared prosperity.
He noted that the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising key transport corridors across the country is already yielding tangible results under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Goronyo also praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, for his hard work, visionary leadership and dedication to delivering the mandate of the Ministry, adding that the ongoing reforms and adoption of durable construction standards reflect a clear focus on value, sustainability and long-term impact.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about results. Nigerians deserve roads that last and projects that are completed on time, and this administration is committed to delivering just that,” the Minister stated.
The inspection tour was accompanied by top management staff of the Ministry of Works, including Mr. U.B. Ekong, Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, and Mr. C.A. Ogbuagu, Director, Highways Planning and Development.
The Minister and his team also engaged with host communities, assuring residents that remaining compensation and project-related concerns would be addressed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted execution of the project.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of State for Works.
…Rewards best teacher with N50m, unveil EduRevamp
Meanwhile, The Federal Government has rewarded the overall best teacher in the country, Taiwo Solanke, with a cash price of N50 million for his commitment, innovation, and dedication to the teaching profession.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 held at the Banquet Hall, State House, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Teachers’ Summit is themed “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”
Tinubu said the prize was aimed at intensifying efforts to restore dignity and excellence in the teaching profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Solanke was also gifted a brand new car by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno and a fully furnished two-bedroom flat by Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.
Tinubu described teachers as the quiet architects of great nations, saying national progress depended on their motivation and support.
The first lady said that as a former classroom teacher, she knows meaningful education could only be achieved when teachers were adequately equipped, motivated and supported.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, education remains an essential pillar of national development.
“This is with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning.
“The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world,” Tinubu said.
She also congratulated the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the EduRevamp Portal, describing it as a major step toward continuous professional development and improved learning outcomes.
Tinubu urged teachers to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity while shaping future leaders.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said that apart from the overall best teachers, teachers from the basic and secondary school levels were also identified and rewarded.
Alausa said 12 exceptional teachers picked from the six geopolitical zones would also receive N25 million each.
He explained that the awardees emerged through a transparent, merit-driven process from nominations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The minister said teachers were the foundation of education and national development, stressing that no reform could succeed without empowered educators.
Alausa noted that education remained central to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that sustainable development depended on strong teachers.
“This administration understands that sustainable development, economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion depend on a strong and responsive education system and that system depends on teachers.
“Empowering teachers means continuous professional development that reflects our realities. It means dignity in service, clarity in career progression, and fairness in reward,” he said.
He announced the launch of EduRevamp, a nationally coordinated continuous professional development programme for Nigerian teachers.
The minister said EduRevamp was open to all teachers, but performance-based incentives would be reserved for public school teachers.
He said the programme shifted training from attendance-based participation to demonstrated competence and measurable outcomes.
Alausa said complementary initiatives included Ignite digital platform, Diaspora Bridge for STEMM education and provision of 60,000 tablets for teachers.
He added that the ministry has strengthened the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s digital platform and advanced the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme nationwide.
The minister urged stakeholders to prioritise actionable outcomes, saying success would be measured by impact in classrooms and learners’ lives.
Other teachers awarded were drawn from the South-West, South-East, North-Central, North-West, North-East, and South-South zones across the basic and secondary education levels with a cash price of N25 million each.
The beneficiaries of the awards in the basic education category are Blessing Ikong, Chinwe Ituma, Gombo Lawan, Taiwo Solanke and Khadijat Galadima and Okide Ochike.
The secondary category has Johanna Gilando, David Joseph, Musa Haruba, Hope Ifetike, Lawal Obafemi and Bashir Hantsi.
