Busayo Adeyemo, a teacher at Lanre Awolokun High School in Gbagada, Lagos, has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year award. The competition, organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund (NB-FOETF), is in its 12th edition. Adeyemo received a N10 million cash prize, a three-bedroom apartment from the Lagos State government, and a Honda HR-V. She also won the Maltina Prize for Best STEM Teacher, earning an additional N1.5 million.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted the event and commended the NB-FOETF for recognising and supporting teachers. He described the initiative as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the private sector and government. Sanwo-Olu's intervention demonstrates how corporate social responsibility can contribute to improving education in Lagos and Nigeria. The governor's reward to Adeyemo includes a three-bedroom apartment.
Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the education trust fund, the Lagos State government, and other partners for the recognition and rewards. She said the award would encourage her to contribute more to teacher development and STEM education. Adeyemo stated that the award is a reminder of her responsibility to keep giving her best and committing herself to teachers' development in Lagos and Nigeria.
Other winners of the competition include Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence, who emerged as the first runner-up and received N5 million. Ephraim Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, emerged as the second runner-up and received N3 million. Seventeen other teachers who emerged as state champions received N1 million each.
The event featured remarks from President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro. Tinubu commended the education trust fund for its investments in classrooms, libraries, and other learning facilities. The government is ready to partner with the fund on its planned long-term support for out-of-school children from 2027.
The NB-FOETF Corporate Affairs Director, Uzodinma Odenigbo, stated that the competition received 2,510 entries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this year. This represents a 30 per cent increase from the previous edition. Of the entries, 2,243 were considered valid. The competition has so far honoured 305 teachers, supported schools with educational infrastructure, and delivered 11 school infrastructure projects.
The Chairman of the NB-FOETF and Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Thibaut Boidin, said the competition was established to celebrate teachers and recognise their contribution to society. The 2026 edition is particularly significant as Nigerian Breweries marks 80 years, Maltina marks 50 years, and the education trust fund marks 32 years of investment in education.
Key points
- Busayo Adeyemo wins N10m Maltina Teacher of the Year award and a three-bedroom apartment.
- The competition received 2,510 entries from across Nigeria, with 2,243 considered valid.
- The NB-FOETF has honoured 305 teachers and delivered 11 school infrastructure projects since its inception.
