Lagos Teacher's Life-Changing Win: N10m Maltina Prize & Sanwo-Olu's Apartment Gift!

Busayo Adeyemo, a dedicated teacher from Lanre Awolokun High School in Gbagada, Lagos, has been crowned the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award, organized by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund (NB-FOETF), saw Ms. Adeyemo receive a substantial N10 million cash prize, a brand new Honda HR-V, and a generous one-year supply of Maltina. Adding to her accolades, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, personally rewarded her with a three-bedroom apartment, underscoring the state's commitment to recognizing outstanding educators.

Beyond these immediate rewards, Ms. Adeyemo will also benefit from an all-expenses-paid overseas capacity development training. In a significant gesture acknowledging her impact, a N30 million school infrastructure project will be constructed in her honor. Furthermore, she was specifically recognized with the Maltina Prize for Best STEM Teacher, earning an additional N1.5 million for her contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, hosting the award ceremony, lauded the NB-FOETF for its sustained efforts in recognizing and supporting teachers, describing the initiative as a prime example of effective collaboration between the private sector and government. He emphasized that such corporate social responsibility plays a vital role in advancing education across Lagos and Nigeria.

Expressing profound gratitude, Ms. Adeyemo dedicated her award to continuous personal and professional development. She stated, “I am excited, thankful and grateful about this competition and the rewards that have followed. This award simply means that I should keep giving my best.” She committed to furthering teacher development and advancing STEM education in Nigeria, while holding firm to the belief in the bright future of Nigerian children.

The competition also celebrated other exceptional educators. Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, secured the first runner-up position, receiving N5 million. Ephraim Inyangudo from Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State, was the second runner-up, awarded N3 million. In addition, seventeen other teachers, who emerged as state champions, each received N1 million.

The event garnered high-level governmental support, with President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, commending the NB-FOETF’s investments in educational infrastructure like classrooms and libraries. President Tinubu expressed the government's readiness to partner with the fund on its long-term plan to support out-of-school children starting from 2027. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, also praised the initiative, noting that the strong participation in the competition reflects the rich pool of teaching talent nationwide.

Uzodinma Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director for NB-FOETF, reported a significant increase in participation this year, with 2,510 entries received from all 36 states and the FCT, marking a 30 percent rise from the previous edition. Out of these, 2,243 entries were deemed valid. Since its inception, the competition has honored 305 teachers, supported schools with educational infrastructure, and completed 11 school infrastructure projects.

Thibaut Boidin, Chairman of the NB-FOETF and Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, highlighted the competition's enduring mission to celebrate teachers and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to society. He noted the particular significance of the 2026 edition as Nigerian Breweries marks 80 years, Maltina celebrates 50 years, and the education trust fund observes 32 years of investing in education. Boidin paid tribute to teachers, recognizing their commitment, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in the next generation.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition was established in 2015 by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to identify, honor, and reward outstanding teachers across Nigeria. It is supported by key education stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The NB-FOETF itself was founded in 1994 with an initial capital of N100 million, dedicated to sustained interventions in education across all levels and geopolitical zones of Nigeria. With her remarkable win, Busayo Adeyemo becomes the 12th recipient of this esteemed national award.