Uchechukwu Nnaike
Esomnofu Ifechukwu of Crown Grace School in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has been celebrated as the winner of the 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition during a grand finale held over the weekend in Lagos.
Ifechukwu was awarded a cash prize of N10 million and will also participate in an all-expense-paid overseas capacity development training. In addition, a N30 million infrastructure project will be established at his school.
Kehinde Olukayode from Molusi College in Oke-Sopen, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, claimed the first runner-up title and received N3 million, while Aniefiok Udoh from Community Secondary Commercial School in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom, took home a second runner-up prize of N2 million. Moreover, 34 other teachers who were recognized as state champions each received N1 million.
In his congratulatory message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for its unwavering dedication to the education sector through the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. He expressed gratitude to teachers for their significant contributions to building a brighter future, despite the numerous challenges they encounter in their roles.
“The initiative has showcased immense support and uplifted the teaching profession in Nigeria, with its impact reaching various groups and communities nationwide,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He emphasized the competition’s role in highlighting the essential contributions of teachers whose passion and commitment are shaping Nigeria’s future and the lives of its youth. He noted that the state has benefited from the initiative, particularly with a recent donation of a digital language laboratory to Keke Senior High School in honor of the 2023 winner, Adeola Adefemi. This resource aims to enhance students’ learning environments and promote literacy and academic excellence.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, represented by Adedotun Abdul, the Director of Yaba College of Technology, also commended the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for recognizing and celebrating outstanding teachers and for investing in educational resources and infrastructure through the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. “Such initiatives inspire teachers and motivate schools to strive for excellence,” Sununu remarked. He affirmed the federal government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Education, to restoring the dignity of the teaching profession in Nigeria, citing the recent development of a National Teaching Policy focused on career paths, remuneration, and teaching standards.
In his keynote address, Hans Essaadi, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, underscored the significance of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition in honoring teachers for their dedication and their pivotal role in molding their students into well-rounded individuals. Essaadi praised Nigerian teachers for their unwavering commitment and passionate efforts aimed at making a difference in the lives of their students. He emphasized that teachers are essential in instilling values, knowledge, and skills—elements vital for societal development.
“This year’s edition holds special significance as it marks ten years of honoring our teachers. We celebrate this milestone because every teacher, parent, and student recognizes the transformative power of education,” he noted. “It’s truly heartwarming to gather here and acknowledge the foundational role of teachers in our society, the bedrock upon which all careers are built.”
Additionally, Sade Morgan, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, highlighted that this year’s competition was exceptional, marking a record number of valid entries and state champions in its history. “We received 1,300 valid entries from a total of 1,477, with champions representing all 37 states, including the FCT,” Morgan reported. She regarded this achievement as a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of Nigerian teachers, the high quality of participants, and the widespread popularity of the competition among educators. “These results validate our efforts and illustrate the profound impact of the Maltina Teacher of the Year awards on Nigeria’s educational landscape,” she concluded, thanking all stakeholders and partners, including TRCN, NUT, Union Bank Plc, Woodhall Capital Foundation, Alert Group, and Air Peace, for their invaluable support in making this edition a memorable celebration.
