Outstanding educators from Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states have secured their places among the top 10 finalists for the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year award competition.
The top 10 finalists emerged following a rigorous second-phase assessment by a distinguished panel of judges, who evaluated entries from 213 high-scoring teachers across Nigeria.
This year’s competition recorded no fewer than 2,243 valid entries from teachers nationwide, a testament to the growing reach and impact of the initiative.
Organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the initiative is celebrating its 12th edition.
The award continues its long-standing tradition of recognising exceptional teachers and honouring their invaluable contributions to the country’s education sector.
Representing the South-West region in the final stage, alongside Adeboye Damilola Vincent of Ekiti State, are Adeyemo Busayo Victoria of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos State; Omotayo Olabisi Akintunde of Ilugun High School Junior, Elega, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and Okegbemi Olajumoke Olukemi of Ilado/Sagbo Community Grammar School, Iseyin, Oyo State.
They will compete alongside seven other exceptional educators from across the federation.
The other finalists include Egwu Flora Ngozi (Abia State), Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo (Akwa Ibom State), Edumu Tama Christopher (Delta State), Isaac Endurance (Edo State), Obiora Ujunwa Uzoamaka (Enugu State) and Yusuf Cariyat (FCT, Abuja).
To determine the overall winner and runners-up, the 10 finalists will proceed to the final stage, which involves an online assessment and a physical screening before the panel of judges.
During this phase, the teachers will defend their submissions and demonstrate why they deserve the prestigious award.
Speaking on the announcement, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, praised the finalists for their unwavering dedication to the teaching profession and their vital role in shaping future generations.
“The emergence of the top 10 finalists reflects the quality of talent and commitment within Nigeria’s teaching profession,” Odenigbo stated. “We commend all the teachers who participated and celebrate those who have advanced to this stage. We look forward to the final screening and celebrating the outstanding educators whose work continues to transform lives and inspire future generations.”
The national champion, runners-up and respective state champions will be announced and honoured at a grand finale scheduled to take place on 30 October 2026 in Lagos.
The overall winner will receive ₦10 million in cash, a brand-new car, and a school that will benefit from a project worth ₦30 million. The second- and third-place winners will receive ₦5 million and ₦3 million, respectively, alongside recognition trophies.
In addition, the best-performing teacher from each of the 36 states and the FCT who meets the stipulated cut-off points will receive a ₦1 million cash prize as a state champion.
Cc: Nigerian Tribune