When the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) presented the Golden Award of Excellence as the Most Teacher-Friendly Governor in Nigeria to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Eagle Square, Abuja, it was not just another ceremonial award, it was a recognition grounded in evidence, results, and impact.
The NUT did not randomly choose Governor Fintiri for this honour. The award was earned through achievement and validated by the transformation unfolding across Adamawa State’s education landscape. It was, in every sense, a stamp of excellence on performance that speaks for itself.
Among the most striking legacies of Governor Fintiri’s administration are the landmark education projects that now dot Adamawa State.
Three comprehensive science secondary schools, one in each senatorial district, are currently under construction. These schools are designed to nurture innovation and promote science and technology learning among young people, reflecting the governor’s vision for a knowledge-driven economy.
In addition, 21 model nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, one in each local government area, have been completed and are awaiting commissioning. Each of these modern institutions is equipped with well-furnished classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and learning aids, setting a new standard for public education in the state.
These projects are not just buildings; they are symbols of hope, physical proof of a government committed to giving every child access to quality education, no matter where they live.
Governor Fintiri’s approach to education reform is both visionary and practical. Across the 21 local government areas, 1,670 classrooms have been renovated, transforming dilapidated spaces into clean, functional, and inspiring environments for learning.
To promote hygiene and safety, 449 VIP toilets have been built or rehabilitated, and 56 schools now have motorized boreholes, providing students and teachers with access to clean water.
Addressing the chronic shortage of furniture, the administration has supplied over 85,000 two-seater desks and chairs for students and 22,467 tables and chairs for teachers and administrators, improving comfort and productivity in classrooms.
Security has also been prioritized, with the fencing of existing schools across the state to protect both students and staff, a move that has significantly enhanced safety and discipline within learning environments.
These infrastructural interventions show more than just investment; they demonstrate a deliberate strategy to make schools functional, dignified, and secure.
One of the boldest and most transformative policies under Fintiri’s leadership is the Free and Compulsory Education Policy. This initiative has removed financial barriers that previously kept thousands of children out of school. It has led to increased enrollment and retention rates, ensuring that no child is left behind due to economic hardship.
The state government now pays WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examination fees for all eligible students, a policy that has eased the burden on parents and improved transition rates from secondary to tertiary education.
Additionally, the free feeding program for students in all public boarding schools has reduced the number of out-of-school children and improved attendance, especially among vulnerable groups.
The NUT’s National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, was right when he described Governor Fintiri as “the most teacher-friendly governor in Nigeria.” Under Fintiri’s administration, teachers in Adamawa State have witnessed prompt payment of salaries and allowances, timely promotions, and regular training and retraining to enhance professional development.
New teachers are continuously recruited to meet rising demand, while retired teachers receive their benefits without delay, a practice that has restored confidence in the system.
This strong emphasis on teacher welfare has revived morale across the education sector and reaffirmed the teaching profession as a dignified and respected calling.
Governor Fintiri’s administration has also revived scholarship and bursary payments for students in tertiary institutions, a program that had been erratic before his tenure. This renewed consistency has helped reduce dropout rates and inspired more young people to pursue higher education.
Beyond local support, Adamawa students now benefit from international scholarship opportunities, positioning them for global competitiveness.
These interventions have created a culture of aspiration, one where education is not just accessible, but empowering.
The outcomes of these policies and projects are unmistakable: Improved student performance in national examinations like WAEC and NECO. Increased enrollment and retention rates across all levels. Enhanced teacher morale and attendance. Noticeable decline in the number of out-of-school children.
Each result represents a child given a chance, a teacher motivated to do more, and a parent whose burden has been lightened.
The NUT’s Golden Award of Excellence to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is, therefore, more than a plaque, it is a validation of leadership that delivers. From modern classrooms to free education, from teacher welfare to scholarship empowerment, Governor Fintiri’s reforms have set a new benchmark in public education administration in Nigeria.
This award is not merely a recognition; it is a mirror reflecting the progress of Adamawa State , a state that, under Fintiri’s watch, is shaping a generation equipped with knowledge, skills, and hope.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has not just built schools; he has built a lasting legacy of opportunity, empowerment, and excellence.
