A teacher from a public secondary school in Lagos has emerged Nigeria’s most outstanding educator for 2026, earning national recognition and a prize package that includes ₦10 million, a new vehicle and ₦30 million for school infrastructure development.
Adeyemo Busayo Victoria of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, secured the Maltina Teacher of the Year award at its 12th edition, announced during a ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Friday, October 30.
Her victory has brought renewed attention to the contributions of teachers in public schools and placed Lanre Awolokun High School among the institutions recognised through the national competition.
In addition to the ₦10 million cash prize, Victoria will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V, a ₦30 million infrastructure development package for her school, a one-year supply of Maltina and an opportunity to participate in an international capacity-building programme.
The award is organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to recognise teachers whose work has made a significant contribution to education and the development of learners.
This year’s competition attracted 2,243 valid entries from teachers across the country. After the initial screening, 213 candidates advanced to the second assessment stage, with 10 teachers eventually selected as finalists.
The finalists emerged as state champions and underwent online assessments as well as physical screening before a panel of judges. They were required to defend their submissions and demonstrate their teaching experience and contributions to their schools and communities.
Victoria’s emergence also marks the second time a Lagos-based teacher has won the national award. Adeola Adedunke Adefemi of Keke Senior High School, Agege, won the competition in 2023.
Other Lagos teachers have also featured prominently in previous editions. Adeola Akinsulure of Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, finished as first runner-up in 2025, while Abidoye Aderonke Ibiyemi of Kosofe Senior College, Agboyi-Ketu, was among the finalists in 2024.
At the 2026 finale, Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, emerged first runner-up and received ₦5 million. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State, came third and received ₦3 million.
The other finalists represented Abia, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Ogun and Oyo states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting the nationwide participation in the competition.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund Thibaut Boidin and Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education Tolani Alli-Balogun attended the ceremony.
Sanwo-Olu commended Nigerian Breweries for sustaining the award, noting that teachers deserved recognition and institutional support because of their role in shaping children’s future.
He called for continued investment in the teaching profession and better working support for educators across the country.
Victoria succeeds Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, who won the 2025 edition.
