A Lagos-based Biology teacher, Busayo Adeyemo, has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher Award, securing a ₦10 million cash prize, a brand-new vehicle and a three-bedroom apartment from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Adeyemo, who teaches at Lanre Awolokun High School in Gbagada, Lagos, received the national recognition at the grand finale of the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition. The ceremony took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Her victory attracted attention because of the range of rewards presented to recognise her contributions to teaching and education. Apart from the cash prize, the winner received a brand-new Honda HR-V, an all-expenses-paid overseas capacity development programme and a one-year supply of Maltina.
The Lagos State Governor also announced a three-bedroom apartment for the teacher, adding another major reward to her achievement. The gesture recognises her professional commitment and provides additional support for an educator whose work has earned national recognition.
The competition, organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund (NB-FOETF), aims to identify exceptional teachers and encourage higher standards across Nigeria’s education system.
Maltina Teacher Award Winner Also Receives STEM Recognition
Adeyemo’s success went beyond winning the overall Maltina Teacher Award, as she also emerged as the winner of the Maltina Prize for Best STEM Teacher.
The additional recognition earned her another ₦1.5 million, bringing her total direct cash rewards from the two awards to ₦11.5 million.
Her achievement will also benefit the students and staff of Lanre Awolokun High School, as the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund will execute a ₦30 million school infrastructure development project in her honour.
The project forms part of the organisers’ wider effort to improve learning environments and support schools through investments in educational facilities.
Speaking after her emergence, Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the organisers, the Lagos State Government and the partners who supported the competition.
She described the recognition as motivation to continue giving her best and contributing to the development of Nigerian education. She also highlighted her commitment to teacher development, the advancement of STEM education and helping young Nigerians achieve their potential.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the education trust fund for sustaining the competition and recognising teachers who contribute to the development of future generations.
Other Finalists Receive Millions in Cash Prizes
The 2026 Maltina Teacher Award ceremony also recognised other educators who distinguished themselves during the national competition.
Yusuf Cariyat of Wisdom International School of Excellence in Sauka, Abuja, emerged as the first runner-up and received a ₦5 million cash prize.
Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo of Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene Abak, Akwa Ibom State, finished as the second runner-up and received ₦3 million.
In addition, 17 teachers who emerged as state champions received ₦1 million each in recognition of their performance and contributions to education.
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition attracted 2,510 entries from teachers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Of the total submissions, 2,243 applications met the competition’s requirements, representing a 30 per cent increase in entries compared with the previous edition.
Uzodinma Odenigbo, the Public Relations Officer of the education trust fund and Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, said the initiative had honoured 305 outstanding teachers since its introduction.
He also disclosed that the fund had supported schools with educational infrastructure and delivered 11 school infrastructure projects.
Maltina Teacher Competition Continues to Recognise Educators
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition began in 2015 through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
Since its introduction, the initiative has provided a national platform for recognising teachers who demonstrate dedication, creativity and excellence in their profession.
The organisers have also used the competition to encourage investment in school infrastructure and promote better learning conditions for Nigerian students.
The 2026 edition carries additional significance as Nigerian Breweries marks 80 years of operation, Maltina celebrates its 50th anniversary and the education trust fund marks 32 years of investment in education.
Adeyemo’s emergence as the 2026 winner makes her the 12th recipient of the national award, continuing a programme that has recognised educators from different parts of the country.
Her achievement also brings renewed attention to the importance of recognising teachers, improving their welfare and providing the resources they need to deliver quality education.
