
Zamfara State’s Mallam Musa Yahaya Paila, the principal of Sambo Secondary School in Gusau, has been awarded the title of Best Principal in the country at the 2024 Presidential Teachers and School Excellence Award.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Eagle Square in Abuja on October 5, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day.

The event, which recognized the vital role teachers play in shaping society, was graced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who presented the awards. Mallam Paila received a prestigious medal along with a brand-new car in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to education.
This honor comes in the wake of the declaration of a state of emergency in the educational sector of Zamfara on November 14, 2023, aimed at revitalizing an educational system that had been struggling for years. The success of this initiative is a testament to the commitment of Governor Lawal’s administration to reform the state’s educational landscape.
The 2024 World Teachers’ Day was celebrated under the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” highlighting the importance of empowering educators in the quest for educational excellence.
In addition to Mallam Paila, numerous winners from public and private primary and secondary schools across Nigeria were honored at the ceremony, with recipients receiving various prizes including cars, motorcycles, generators, and more.
This recognition not only showcases the dedication of educators in Zamfara but also emphasizes the positive impact of ongoing reforms in the state’s education sector. As the state continues to invest in educational development, the future looks promising for both teachers and students in Zamfara.