A teacher at Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos, Adeola Adedunke Adefemi, has emerged winner of the 2023 edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Earlier in the year, Adefemi had received the 2023 African Union Continental Teacher Prize, being the first teacher from Lagos State to win the prestigious continental award.
Adefemi was crowned winner at the grand finale of the event held on Friday at in Lagos State.
The award comes with a total cash prize of N6.5m, which comprises N1.5m immediate cash payment and N1m annually for the next five years.
The award is organised and sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund.
A total of 10 teachers were shortlisted as finalists, with Azuh Chike Emmanuel of Delta State emerging as first runner-up, while Adam Abdulqadir Nda of Niger State was the second runner-up.
In all, 172 teachers from 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory had participated in the 2023 edition.
Speaking 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.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the State Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Alli Balogun, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to teachers’ support.
“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.”
