Ten Nigerian teachers are moving into the final stretch of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, where they will be assessed by a panel of judges before the overall winner is announced in Lagos on October 30.
The finalists represent schools across the country, from Abia and Akwa Ibom to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory. Their selection follows a multi-stage process organised by Nigerian Breweries Plc through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
The shortlisted teachers are Egwu Flora Ngozi of Ibeku High School, Abia State; Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene Abak, Akwa Ibom State; Edumu Tama Christopher of MasterCare International School, Asaba, Delta State; and Isaac Endurance of Bethel Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State.
Others are Adeboye Damilola Vincent of Ikole City College, Ekiti State; Obiora Ujunwa Uzoamaka of Deeper Life High School, Amokpo Nike, Enugu State; Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence in Sauka, Lugbe, Abuja; 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.
Before the winner is announced, the candidates are expected to complete an online assessment and participate in a physical screening. They will also appear before the judging panel to defend their submissions and demonstrate the impact of their work in the classroom.
The scale of this year’s competition reflects the level of interest in the award. Organisers recorded 2,243 valid entries, from which 213 teachers progressed to the second phase. The ten finalists emerged from that group after the assessment process.
Now in its 12th edition, the Maltina Teacher of the Year award recognises teachers whose work demonstrates commitment to education and meaningful contributions to their students and school communities. It also offers a platform to draw attention to the role teachers play in shaping learning outcomes and the wider society.
Nigerian Breweries Plc Corporate Affairs Director, Uzodinma Odenigbo, commended teachers participating in the competition, acknowledging their contribution to education.
The grand finale is scheduled to hold in Lagos on October 30, when the overall winner and state champions will be announced.
