Ogun teacher emerges Nigeria’s overall best

By Rosemary Etim Bassey

Dr Mary Adebayo, a teacher at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School (Senior), Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has emerged as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026, earning a brand-new car as her reward.

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Adebayo received the award during the Federal Government’s President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja.

She first won the Best Public Senior Secondary School Teacher category before being named the overall best teacher in the country.

Speaking while receiving her prize, Adebayo expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying she had continued doing her job without expecting such a reward.

“I started this work in a private school. I kept doing the work, I did not know the Lord will reward me this way,” she said.

Her achievement has attracted congratulations from her school’s old students and a lawmaker representing part of Ogun State.

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The Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko Old Students Association, described her success as a source of pride for the school and its community.

In a congratulatory statement issued on Friday, the association said the award reflected Adebayo’s commitment to teaching and improving education in Nigeria.

It added that her achievement would inspire students, teachers and former students of the school to work hard and remain committed to their goals.

“NUDGOSA is particularly proud that one of our own has risen to the pinnacle of the teaching profession in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The association’s National President, Hon. Fasiu Bakenne, congratulated Adebayo, the school’s management and staff, as well as the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission.

The statement was signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Sanni Damilola.

Lawmaker Nasir Gboyega Isiaka also congratulated Adebayo, describing her emergence as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher as a source of pride for Afon, Imeko-Afon and the wider constituency.

In a message titled “Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Nigeria’s Best Teacher,” Isiaka described her as an illustrious daughter of Afon, Imeko-Afon.

He said her achievement showed that people from local communities could attain national recognition through their work and dedication.

Isiaka added that education remained an important part of his service to the constituency, noting that investment in education was necessary to create more opportunities for young people.

“Dr. Adebayo’s achievement therefore resonates deeply with the work we have continued to pursue in strengthening education and supporting those who dedicate their lives to it,” he said.

He wished Adebayo greater success in her professional career and future endeavours.

The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration was held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing the Status and Shaping Our Future”.