Nigeria is celebrating a monumental achievement as Kayode Adewale, a mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, secures a spot among the Top 50 teachers in the world through the prestigious Global Teacher Prize.
This global initiative by the Varkey Foundation, supported by UNESCO, recognizes educators who have transformed lives and communities through their extraordinary contributions to education.
A proud graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, renowned as Nigeria’s premier teacher training institution and ranked among the top 10 globally, Kayode has earned widespread acclaim for his innovative teaching approaches and commitment to educational transformation.
Hailing from Ago Iwoye, Kayode’s journey has been marked by numerous accolades, including national awards and international receptions, such as his recognition in Maryland, USA, during his Fulbright Fellowship. Notably, he is the second alumnus of Tai Solarin University to receive this global honour, underscoring the institution’s excellence in producing world-class educators.
Through initiatives like the Transformation1090 Project, Kayode has trained over 30,000 teachers across Nigeria, promoting advanced STEM teaching methodologies. His Transformation5130 Project, conducted in collaboration with educators from countries like the USA, Brazil, and Egypt, has empowered more than 5,000 teachers globally.
Kayode’s visionary Ogun517GoToSpace project has made Ogun State a trailblazer in space education, introducing Space Exploration Clubs across 517 secondary schools in partnership with the Limitless Space Institute (USA). This groundbreaking initiative has inspired thousands of students to explore careers in science and space exploration.
He has also revolutionized mathematics education by incorporating local Nigerian languages such as Yoruba and Hausa, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for diverse learners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his contributions to Ogun DigiClass on OGTV provided uninterrupted learning opportunities for countless students, exemplifying his adaptability and dedication.
Recognized as the 2nd Runner-Up Best Teacher in Nigeria (2023), Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Fellow, and Limitless Global Educator (2024), Kayode is an active member of the Greater Akron Mathematics Society (GAMES), USA, furthering global STEM education. His innovations include digital literacy programs and the Technology-Assisted Academic Management Solutions (TAIMS) platform, bridging educational gaps with technology-driven solutions.
Kayode’s passion for teaching was ignited in ninth grade during a transformative mathematics lesson, setting him on a path to inspire generations of students and educators. A strong advocate of the Ogun State Education Revitalization Agenda (OGSERA), spearheaded by Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Kayode remains a champion for education reform and development.
This global recognition is a moment of immense pride for Nigeria, showcasing the transformative power of exceptional educators. Kayode Adewale’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the boundless potential of education to shape a brighter future.
