Esther Imonmion
Thirty-one-year-old Yusuf Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, has emerged as the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, winning the N10m grand prize.
Yusuf, an English and Literature teacher, was announced winner at the grand finale of the 11th edition of the competition held in Lagos on Friday night. She topped a field of 10 finalists after an evaluation by a panel chaired by Prof. Pat Utomi.
In addition to the cash prize, she received a trophy, infrastructure projects worth N30m for her school, and an international capacity development opportunity.
Speaking after her victory, Yusuf said the award was the outcome of “self-development, focus, diligence, resilience, dedication, mentorship, collaboration and the grace of God.”
“Initially, I was shocked and didn’t see it coming, even though many people encouraged me,” she said. “I prayed that God would bring it to pass. Even though I tried my best during the interview, I knew it was pure grace. This is preparation meeting opportunity.”
She added that the N10m prize would support her work with underprivileged children in underserved communities, including school-fee support, menstrual hygiene advocacy, and community-based projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Akinselure Adeola of Omole Senior Grammar School, Lagos, emerged first runner-up and won N5m, while Amarikwa Chibuzor of Deeper Life High School, Yola, took third place with N3m.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing teacher welfare, capacity and professionalism. Utomi, in his remarks, urged the establishment of more initiatives that celebrate teachers’ contributions to national development.
Eleven-year-old Ayomide Avoseh, a beneficiary of the Slum2School initiative, delivered the keynote address, calling for greater investment in teachers and safe learning environments, noting that education “should be seen as a right, not a privilege.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Thibaut Boidin, described teachers as “the true wealth of the nation.”
The Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr Uzodinma Odenigbo, said this year’s contest recorded more than 2,000 applications—over 30 per cent higher than the previous year—reflecting the growing acceptance of the initiative.
Dignitaries at the event included the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, and representatives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Launched in 2015 by Nigerian Breweries through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the Maltina Teacher of the Year award recognises outstanding secondary school teachers nationwide and offers cash prizes, international training, and school infrastructure support. The initiative is backed by major education sector stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.