A school teacher has received a cash reward of approximately $7,400, a brand-new Honda HR-V and a three-bedroom flat after being named the winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. The recognition also comes with an international professional development opportunity, while her school is set to receive an infrastructure project worth approximately $22,300.The winner, Busayo Victoria Adeyemo, teaches at Lanre Awolokun High School in Gbagada, Lagos. She was announced as the grand prize recipient at the competition’s awards ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The awards recognise educators for their contributions to teaching and learning across Nigeria.
Cash prize, car and house among the rewards
Adeyemo’s prize package includes 10 million Nigerian naira, equivalent to approximately $7,400, a brand-new Honda HR-V and an all-expenses-paid overseas capacity development programme.The Nigerian Tribune reported that her school will also benefit from a 30 million naira infrastructure development project, worth approximately $22,300, to be undertaken in her honour by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.The school will additionally receive a one-year supply of Maltina. These rewards form part of the competition’s effort to recognise teachers while extending the benefits of the award to their institutions.Adeyemo expressed gratitude for the recognition during her acceptance speech. As reported by the Nigerian Tribune, she said she was grateful for the opportunity to teach, inspire and make a tangible difference in the lives of her learners.
Competition attracted more than 2,200 entries
The 2026 edition attracted 2,243 valid entries from teachers across Nigeria, with 10 educators advancing to the final stage.Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja was named the first runner-up and received 5 million naira, approximately $3,700. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School in Akwa Ibom State secured the second runner-up position, winning 3 million naira, equivalent to about $2,200.The competition is organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund in partnership with organisations including Union Bank, Air Peace, Eko Hotels and Suites, and Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited.
Education leaders recognise teachers’ contribution
The awards ceremony was attended by government representatives, education officials and leaders from the banking, manufacturing and academic sectors. Those present included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Education Minister Tunji Alausa and representatives of President Bola Tinubu.Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Nigerian Breweries for its continued investment in education and its recognition of teachers. He described the competition as a platform for celebrating teaching excellence.Thibaut Boidin, chairman of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and managing director of Nigerian Breweries, said teachers’ influence extended beyond classrooms and contributed to society at large.He also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to recognising educators and rewarding outstanding contributions to the education sector.
