Yobe Teacher Emerges North-East Best at 2026 National Teachers Award

A teacher from Yobe State, Gambo Lawan, has been named Best Teacher in the North-East at the 2026 National Teachers Award Ceremony organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Lawan, who teaches at Yerimaram Government Day Junior Secondary School in Potiskum, was announced as the regional winner at an event held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She received a N25 million cash prize at the ceremony, which recognised teachers for exceptional excellence, dedication and innovation in classroom practice, placing her among the top award recipients nationwide.

Officials of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB) described the selection process as rigorous, transparent and strictly merit-based, with strong emphasis on professionalism, classroom innovation and measurable learning outcomes.

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent on Sunday, Lawan attributed her success to years of dedication and passion for teaching. “I am deeply grateful to God for this recognition. It is the result of hard work, patience, consistency and love for the profession. This award has motivated me to do even more for my students,” she said.

She admitted that the announcement came as a surprise, describing the moment as overwhelming. “I did not expect it, but I trusted that God’s will would prevail. This is a great honour, not just for me, but for Yobe State and my school,” she added.

Lawan noted that the award had further strengthened her commitment to the education sector. “This recognition places a greater responsibility on me. I am determined to work harder, mentor younger teachers and continue to instil knowledge, values and discipline in my students,” she said.

Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of YSUBEB, Umaru Hassan-Babayo, said Lawan’s emergence had projected Yobe State positively at the national level.

“Her success highlights Yobe State’s growing prominence as a key stakeholder in western education. It reflects the investments being made in education and human capital development across the state,” he said, adding that the award validates the state government’s commitment to supporting teachers and improving learning outcomes in public schools.

In addition to the N25 million cash prize, Lawan also received a tertiary education scholarship in recognition of her outstanding performance.

The honour comes months after three Yobe State students Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukayya Muhammad-Fema and Hadiza Kashim-Kalli emerged winners at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, where they excelled in spelling bee contests, writing challenges and knowledge quizzes.