Lagos State teacher Adeola Adefemi Adedunke has bagged the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year award.
Adefemi was crowned winner at the Grand Finale of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Jewel Aeida, Hakeem Dickson Link Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.
Adefemi teaches at Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos State. Earlier in the year, she received the prestigious 2023 African Union Continental Teacher Prize.
READ MORE: Adeola Adefemi receives 2023 African Union Continental Teacher Prize
She will receive a total cash prize of N6.5 million (N1.5 million immediately and N1 million annually for the next five years) from the organiser, the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund.
She joins the league of champions as the winner of the 9th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year, and the first teacher to win this award from Lagos State.
A total of 10 teachers were shortlisted for the grand finale. Azuh Chike Emmanuel of Delta State emerged as the first runner while Adam Abdulqadir Nda of Niger was the second runner-up to win the prize.
The 10 leads the 172 teachers from 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory who jostled for honours in the 2023 edition.
Earlier at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu described the event as a noteworthy and commendable initiative. He also said no education could take place if there were no teachers.
“This event is an impactful landmark. It sets out to celebrate outstanding teachers. Today marks a milestone in revamping the
education sector.
“No education reform will take place without teachers. Our education is focused on developing children through the efforts of teachers. The new national policy of education is aimed at capacity building and so on. All these are in alignment with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
He also appealed for support for the Tinubu administration to achieve its objectives for the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the State Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Alli Balogun reaffirm the state’s commitment to support teachers.
“Our administration in Lagos will continue to support the creativity and performance of teachers on the job. No subject area in our public schools will lack qualified teachers. I commend the organisers for continuing this award.”
READ MORE: Anani former ‘Maltina Teacher of the Year’ wins $10, 000 grant
Competition Rewarding Teachers, Empowering Institutions
In nine years, Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has recognised and rewarded outstanding teachers and empowered institutions through the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. This competition not only recognised teachers at a national level but also honour state champions. At this year’s edition, champions were recognised from 30 states of the federation.
Through the Fund, the company has constructed and furnished over 400 classrooms, sanitary facilities and libraries in 74 communities across the country and awarded scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions.
Speaking on the initiative, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Corporate Affairs Director Sade Morgan said that entries for this year were the highest ever in the history of the competition.
“We had 1499 entries, the highest number ever. It shows the competition is popular and recognized in Nigeria. We had 1203 eligible entries”.
She commended the effort of the judges and thanked relevant sector stakeholders for their support.
