The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has honored 23 public school teachers from across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas for their exceptional dedication, hard work, and impact on students.In his address at the inaugural Best Teacher Award ceremony, the Executive Chairman of KADSUBEB, Mr. Mubarak Muhammad, described the event as a landmark moment for the education sector in Kaduna. He stated that the initiative, aligned with Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, recognizes teachers as the cornerstone of societal development and the primary drivers of change in children’s futures.Mr. Muhammad explained that the award was established to celebrate educators with outstanding skills, leadership, and dedication, thereby motivating professionalism and inspiring learners. He emphasized that while a teacher’s ultimate reward may be in heaven, recognition for their invaluable service should also begin on earth.The selection process was designed for transparency and rigor. A total of 115 nominees underwent a meticulous screening process coordinated by the Local Government Education Authorities, which included interviews and classroom observations. Their performance was judged on professional knowledge, teaching skills, and adherence to the Teacher Code of Conduct. The evaluation was independently verified by a consortium of respected institutions, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Kaduna Basic Education Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), and the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA), among others.Governor Uba Sani, represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Sani Sambo, commended KADSUBEB for organizing the ceremony. He reiterated that education is the cornerstone of his administration’s transformation agenda, a commitment demonstrated by increasing the education budget to 26.14% for 2025. He listed key achievements, including the construction of 62 new secondary schools, the renovation of over 2,300 classrooms, a 50% reduction in tertiary institution tuition fees, and the establishment of vocational training institutes.The governor described teachers as the “architects of the future” and affirmed that the government is implementing concrete policies to empower and support them in their critical role.On behalf of the awardees, Mrs. Esther Affun from Chikun LGA expressed profound gratitude, stating that the recognition validates their daily sacrifices and will motivate teachers across the state to rededicate themselves to shaping young lives. She particularly commended the transparent selection process, which gives every teacher confidence that hard work will be recognized.Each of the 23 awardees received a cheque of N500,000 and a certificate. Mrs. Esther Affun was further recognized as the overall best teacher. Additionally, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim, awarded scholarships to all 23 recipients to further their own education.The event was supported by development partners including UNICEF, Save the Children International, Nigerian Breweries, and Zenith Bank.