Maltina Teacher of the Year Lights Up Lagos as 11th Edition Honours Nigeria’s Finest Educators
Lagos came alive with celebration and national pride as the 11th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition reached its grand finale, honouring exceptional educators whose dedication continues to shape Nigeria’s future.
The prestigious ceremony, held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, corporate leaders, teachers, students and members of the public in a resounding tribute to excellence in teaching.
At the highlight of the evening, Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Tudun Wada, Lugbe, FCT Abuja, emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year. Her victory followed a rigorous selection process that drew over 2,000 entries from teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Yusuf was rewarded with a ₦10 million cash prize, an all-expense-paid overseas capacity development training, and a ₦30 million school infrastructure project to be executed in her honour by the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, organisers of the competition.
The competition also recognised outstanding educators nationwide. Adeola Akinsulure of Omole Senior Grammar School, Omole Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos State, emerged as the first runner-up, receiving ₦5 million, while Chibuzor Amarikwa of Deeper Life High School, Kwana-Waya Village, Yola, Adamawa State, finished as second runner-up, earning ₦3 million.
In addition, 24 other teachers, who emerged as State Champions from their respective states, were each awarded ₦1 million in recognition of their excellence, dedication and impact within their local education ecosystems.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative for elevating the teaching profession and reinforcing its importance to national development.
Sanwo-Olu expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for its sustained investment in education, describing the initiative as a powerful example of nation-building.
“Nigerian Breweries, what you’re doing here today goes beyond corporate social responsibility; it is simply nation-building. Tonight, we honour the remarkable men and women whose passion, resilience and creativity shape destinies and prepare our children not just for exams, but for life,” he said.
The governor congratulated the overall winner, urging her to carry the honour with pride and humility as a national ambassador of educational excellence.
“To every teacher being recognized today, whether you leave with a trophy or not, Lagos State celebrates you, and Nigeria celebrates you. You are the heroes whose work often goes unnoticed, yet whose impact is profound,” he added.
Delivering her goodwill message, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the initiative as a shining example of effective collaboration between government and the private sector in recognising educators who devote their lives to shaping the next generation.
“Today is a powerful reminder that teachers are the true architects of national transformation. Behind every thriving society lies a corps of educators whose daily labour shapes minds, nurtures values and builds the foundation for future progress,” she said.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin, noted that the competition was designed not only to celebrate individual winners but to honour the teaching profession itself, describing teachers as “the steady hands shaping tomorrow.” He highlighted the initiative’s growing impact, ranging from improved school infrastructure to enhanced learning tools and professional recognition.
Also speaking at the event, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, revealed that the 11th edition recorded over 2,000 entries, the highest in the competition’s 11-year history. He attributed the milestone to the increasing trust teachers nationwide have in the programme and praised the judges for their integrity and professionalism.
Odenigbo also expressed appreciation to the programme’s partners; Union Bank, Air Peace, FCMB, and Eko Hotels & Suites, as well as key stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Education, NUT, ANCOPSS and TRCN, whose support in funding teacher registrations helped drive the record-breaking participation.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Serah Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Education Trust Fund for recognising the often-unseen sacrifices of teachers, describing her win as renewed motivation to deepen her impact, especially in underserved communities.
“I feel very excited after I was declared the winner. Initially, I was shocked because I never thought my effort would be worthy of this great award. With this exciting news, I am motivated to do more, especially in slum communities. I dedicate this award to children living within the slum communities,” she said.
Since its inception in 2015, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition has produced ten grand prize winners, including Rose Nkemdilim Obi (2015), Imoh Essien (2016), Felix Ariguzo (2017), Olasunkanmi Opeifa (2018), Ezem Collins (2019), Oluwabunmi Anani (2020), Abanika Taiye (2021), Alaku Ayiwulu (2022), Adeola Adefemi (2023) and Esomnofu Ifechukwu (2024). With her win, Serah Yusuf now joins this distinguished league of national education ambassadors.
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