The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, sponsored by the Varkey Foundation, has yet to announce the winner of its 2025 $1m prize.
According to information on the foundation’s website, the winner of the prestigious prize will be unveiled “at the World Government Summit, taking place in Dubai from February 11 to 13.”
A secondary school mathematics teacher in Ogun State, Kayode Adewale, had been recently reported to have won the prize.
Adewale, however, is among the top 50 finalists selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications spanning 89 countries.
Checks on the official website of the Global Teacher Prize on Sunday confirmed that he is listed as the 22nd candidate among the 50 shortlisted educators.
Notably, only seven Africans, including Adewale, made it to this year’s top 50.
According to a statement on the prize’s website, the top 50 finalists were announced on January 15, 2025.
The process now moves towards shortlisting the top 10, from which the ultimate winner to clinch the coveted prize will emerge.
“The prize will now be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists, to be announced in late January, helping to raise the bar of respect for the teaching profession.
“The winner will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, made up of prominent individuals, and will be announced at the World Government Summit, taking place in Dubai from February 11 to 13,” the statement read.
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize was established to celebrate exceptional educators who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, while also highlighting the vital role teachers play in society.
Founder of the prize and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, Sunny Varkey, emphasised the transformative power of education.
He said, “The Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time – from combating climate change to reducing inequality and navigating technological change. I congratulate all top 50 finalists, who are joining a global community of educators leading the way to build a better future.”
