Federal Government Honours Top Teachers, Schools with 2026 Presidential Awards

The Federal Government has officially unveiled the recipients of the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards. This national recognition scheme celebrated exceptional teachers, dedicated school administrators, and high-performing educational institutions across various categories. PUNCH Online compiled the comprehensive list of awardees on Tuesday, drawing from the official public register of the prestigious awards.

Leading the pack, Gloria Nkolika Odionu from Awada Primary School IV, Obosi, Anambra State, was celebrated as the Overall Best Administrator for the 2026 awards. She also secured the title of Best Public Primary School Administrator.

Mary Oluwaseun Adebayo, representing Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School Senior in Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, clinched the coveted position of Overall Best Teacher for the year. Her specific win was in the Best Public Senior Secondary School Teacher category.

Hope Oluchi Nwocha of Susu College, Nkpor, Anambra State, received recognition as the Best Private Junior Secondary School Administrator. Agartha Chika Oforjindu, an administrator from Urban Boy Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, was acknowledged as the top performer in the Best Public Junior Secondary School Administrator category.

Oluwatoyin Ashaye of Remo Secondary School Senior, Sagamu, Ogun State, earned the award for Best Public Senior Secondary School Administrator. In the private sector, Ogechukwu Jacinta Ifeajekwu from Divine Rays British Secondary School, Obosi, Anambra State, was named the Best Private Junior Secondary School Teacher.

Peace Amarachi Ohanuka, a teacher at Ideke Community Primary School, Odekpe, Anambra State, was honoured as the Best Public Primary School Teacher. Grace Chimallume Isaac, from Community Secondary School, Agulu, Anambra State, secured the First Runner-Up position in the Best Public Senior Secondary School Teacher category, while Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure of Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos State, was the Second Runner-Up in the same category.

Among the institutions, Divine Rays British Secondary School, located in Obosi, Anambra State, was recognized as the Best Private Junior Secondary School. Handmaids Infant Jesus Nursery and Basic School in Awka, Anambra State, emerged as the Best Private Primary School, with Transatlantic Nursery and Primary School in Ogun State named the First Runner-Up in that category.

Austica Memorial College, Nanka, Anambra State, took home the award for Best Private Senior Secondary School. Finally, Community Primary School, Mile 2, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was declared the Best Public Primary School.

It is worth noting that PUNCH Online had previously reported on the Federal Government's intention to implement a digital selection process for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards. This initiative was aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and documentation in the recognition of exceptional educators.