Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has been honoured with the Golden Award of Excellence by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and teachers’ welfare.
The award was presented during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
Presenting the award, the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, described Governor Fintiri as “the most teacher-friendly governor in Nigeria.” He commended the Governor for his far-reaching reforms in the education sector, particularly in teacher recruitment, infrastructural development, and welfare enhancement.
According to Comrade Amba, Governor Fintiri has employed over 10,000 teachers, constructed more than 6,000 classrooms, and established Mega Science and Technical Colleges across the three senatorial zones of Adamawa State.
He further highlighted the Governor’s landmark policies, including free basic and secondary education, payment of WAEC and NECO fees, extension of teachers’ retirement age by five years, and the early implementation of the minimum wage for both primary and secondary school teachers — the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
Other governors honoured at the event include Dr. Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Dr. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and the governors of Ebonyi, Kogi, and Delta States.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” Comrade Amba noted that the event underscores the global call to reposition teaching as a cooperative and transformative vocation.
He also commended Governor Idris of Kebbi State for donating a brand-new bus to the national headquarters of the NUT.
Similarly, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, applauded Nigerian teachers for their resilience and dedication, urging government at all levels to improve teaching and learning conditions across the country.
The Adamawa State delegation to the Abuja event was led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, accompanied by Senator Iya Abbas, Chief of Staff, Dr. Emos Edgar, Head of Service, Pharmacist Ardo Isa Shehu (mni), and Commissioner for Education, Hon. Garba Pella.
Others in attendance included Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, Prof. Maxwell Gidado (SAN), Chief Kennedy Dauda (mni), Dr. Sulaiman Bashir, Zakariah Nyanpa, members of the Organised Labour led by Comrade Emmanuel Fashe (NLC Chairman), and executives of the Adamawa State NUT.
