A Lagos State teacher, Adeyemo Busayo of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, taking home a ₦10 million cash prize and a brand-new Honda HR-V.
Also read: FG Proposes March 2027 UTME, Sets April–July Window for WAEC, NECO, Others
Adeyemo was announced as the winner at the 12th edition of the competition held on Friday, October 30, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In addition to the cash prize and vehicle, she will receive an all-expenses-paid international capacity-development programme and a one-year supply of Maltina. Her school will also benefit from a ₦30 million infrastructure development project to be executed in her honour by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, further announced a three-bedroom apartment for Adeyemo in recognition of her achievement. She also received an additional ₦1.5 million after emerging as the competition’s best STEM teacher.
The competition, organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, attracted 2,510 entries from teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Of the submissions, 2,243 were considered valid.
Adeyemo, a Biology teacher, emerged from a group of 10 finalists who underwent online assessments and physical screening before a panel of judges.
Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, emerged as the first runner-up and received ₦5 million, while Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State, came third and won ₦3 million.
Seventeen other teachers who emerged as state champions also received ₦1 million each in recognition of their contributions to education.
Speaking after her victory, Adeyemo expressed gratitude to the organisers and other partners, describing the recognition and rewards as motivation to continue giving her best to the teaching profession.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Thibaut Boidin, commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping future generations. He described teaching as an important service to the nation that deserves recognition and sustained support.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, also commended the trust fund for its investments in classrooms, libraries and learning facilities. He said the Federal Government was ready to collaborate with the organisation on a planned long-term initiative to support out-of-school children from 2027.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised the initiative, emphasising the importance of recognising teachers and improving their welfare.
Introduced in 2015, the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition seeks to identify, celebrate and reward outstanding educators across Nigeria, while promoting excellence and encouraging greater investment in the country’s education sector.
Leave a Comment