Union Bank of Nigeria, a leading financial institution, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Nigeria, aligning with its role as the premier partner and co-sponsor of the 10th Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
The bank emphasized its dedication to nation-building through education during a courtesy visit by Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu, the winner of the prestigious 2024 edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year award. Accompanied by officials from Maltina, Esomnofu expressed his gratitude for the bank’s continued support in sponsoring the competition.
Esomnofu, a mathematics teacher from Crown Grace School, Maraba, Nasarawa State, shared his inspiring journey with the Union Bank team. Despite facing difficulties with mathematics during his own secondary school years, he went on to earn a degree in Mathematics Education, driven by a desire to help students overcome similar struggles. His dedication has not only made a significant impact in the classroom but also online, where he has garnered over 700,000 followers on Facebook, using the platform to teach mathematics and offer valuable educational resources to students across Nigeria.
Receiving Esomnofu and Maltina officials, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s ongoing commitment to transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape through its Edu360 platform. “For us at Union Bank, education is a top priority, and we’re proud to support initiatives like the Maltina Teacher of the Year awards. Edu360 is not just a business proposition—it’s a value-add that fosters support for educators, students, and the entire ecosystem,” Aluko said.
She further emphasized that the Edu360 platform is focused on facilitating investments in the educational sector, building teacher capacity, and fostering collaborations between parents and educators to enhance child development and curriculum standards. “Our goal is to provide a holistic solution to education in Nigeria, and we are excited to partner with organizations like Maltina that share our vision for the future of education,” she added.
The visit underscores the critical role that corporate organisations play in supporting education in Nigeria. Union Bank’s involvement in initiatives like the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts to build a sustainable educational system. Aluko noted, “We are proud to continue our support for programs that celebrate educators and recognise their contributions to nation-building.”
The 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, recently held in Lagos, was a historic celebration of excellence in teaching. Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu emerged as the national winner from a pool of 1,300 entries, representing educators from across the country. For the first time, 37 state champions were recognized, highlighting outstanding teachers from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, organized by the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, continues to champion the cause of education in Nigeria. Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries PLC, expressed pride in the competition’s impact since its inception in 2015. “Through this initiative, we have honored 241 exceptional teachers, each of whom has touched countless lives. Maltina has always been about spreading joy, and this competition is one of the many ways we continue to do so,” Morgan stated.
With Union Bank and other stakeholders supporting education and competitions like the Maltina Teacher of the Year, it serve as a powerful reminder of the value of investing in educators, who in turn shape the future of Nigeria.
