Celebrating Excellence. Advancing Research. Inspiring Leadership.
The African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT) proudly welcomes you to the Grand Finale of the National Women in Education Award 2026, a landmark national event established to recognize and celebrate women whose dedication, innovation, scholarship, leadership, and service continue to transform education in Nigeria and across Africa.
This prestigious ceremony is more than an award presentation. It is a national platform for recognizing outstanding women educators, promoting educational research, inspiring future leaders, and inducting distinguished lecturers and educators into the AFFiT Research Fellowship.
The event reflects AFFiT’s unwavering commitment to building a stronger education sector through excellence, collaboration, innovation, research, and professional development.
The African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT) is a continental professional organization dedicated to advancing education across Africa by empowering educators through research, innovation, leadership development, policy advocacy, teacher capacity building, professional recognition, and strategic partnerships.
AFFiT serves as a platform where educators connect, collaborate, publish, access grants, participate in conferences, receive mentorship, and contribute to educational transformation at institutional, national, and continental levels.
Through its programmes, AFFiT is nurturing a new generation of educators equipped to address the evolving challenges of teaching, learning, research, technology, entrepreneurship, and educational leadership.
About the National Women in Education Award
The National Women in Education Award is AFFiT’s flagship gender-focused recognition programme established to honour women who have made remarkable contributions to education through teaching excellence, research, innovation, mentorship, educational leadership, policy development, and community impact.
The programme celebrates women whose work continues to inspire learners, strengthen institutions, influence educational practice, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Beyond recognition, the initiative seeks to build a sustainable network of women researchers, educational leaders, innovators, and mentors capable of shaping the future of education in Africa.
Objectives of the Programme
The National Women in Education Award seeks to:
- Recognize exceptional women making significant contributions to education.
- Promote research excellence among women educators and lecturers.
- Encourage innovation in teaching and learning.
- Inspire female leadership within educational institutions.
- Strengthen collaboration among educators across Nigeria and Africa.
- Promote mentorship for emerging women researchers.
- Increase women’s participation in academic publications and conferences.
- Advance gender inclusion in educational leadership and policy.
- Build a vibrant community of women committed to transforming education.
AFFiT Research Fellowship Induction
A major highlight of the Grand Finale is the induction of qualified educators into the AFFiT Research Fellowship.
The AFFiT Research Fellowship recognizes educators who have demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, educational research, innovation, leadership, and professional service.
Inducted Fellows become part of an expanding network of scholars and professionals working collaboratively to advance educational development across Africa.
Research Fellows will have opportunities to participate in:
- National and international conferences
- Research collaborations
- Academic publications
- Grant opportunities
- Professional development programmes
- Leadership training
- Mentorship initiatives
- Policy dialogue
- Institutional partnerships
- Educational innovation projects
Why This Programme Matters
Education remains the foundation of national development, and women continue to play indispensable roles in shaping learners, institutions, communities, and future generations.
Despite these contributions, many women educators receive limited recognition for their outstanding achievements.
The National Women in Education Award seeks to change this narrative by celebrating excellence, creating opportunities, and building pathways for greater participation of women in research, leadership, innovation, and educational transformation.
Event Highlights
Participants should look forward to:
- National recognition of outstanding women educators
- AFFiT Research Fellowship Induction Ceremony
- Presentation of Awards and Certificates
- Keynote Address
- Goodwill Messages
- Professional Networking
- Research Collaboration Opportunities
- Group Photographs
- Media Coverage
- Presentation of Official Souvenirs
Who Will Attend?
The event is expected to attract:
- Lecturers
- Researchers
- Student Teachers
- Provosts
- Vice-Chancellors
- College Administrators
- Directors of Education
- Government Officials
- Development Partners
- Academic Leaders
- Education Stakeholders
- Professional Associations
- Women’s Organizations
- Media Representatives
Benefits to Participants
Participants will benefit from:
- National professional recognition
- Membership in the AFFiT Research Fellowship Network
- Increased professional visibility
- Access to research collaborations
- Opportunities for publications
- Conference participation
- Leadership development
- Professional networking
- Mentorship opportunities
- Future grants and fellowship programmes
Our Vision for Women in Education
AFFiT envisions an Africa where women educators are fully recognized, adequately supported, and strategically positioned to lead educational transformation through research, innovation, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning.
The National Women in Education Award represents the beginning of a long-term movement that will continue to celebrate, empower, and elevate women across educational institutions throughout Africa.
Partners
This programme is proudly:
Organized by
African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT)
Powered by
Standtall Africa Initiative (STAi)
IN COLLABORATION WITH
National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)
Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU)
National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES)
Join the Movement
The National Women in Education Award is not simply an annual eventāit is the beginning of a growing movement dedicated to recognizing excellence, advancing educational research, promoting women’s leadership, and building a stronger future for education across Africa.
Together, let us celebrate those who educate, inspire, innovate, and transform lives.