Spotlight of the Week: Kayode Adewale – The Mathematics Teacher Transforming Education with Culture and Innovation

Meet Mr. Kayode Adewale, a remarkable teacher from Ogun State who has been redefining how mathematics is taught. His innovative approach of teaching mathematics using the Ijebu dialect has earned him a place among the Top 50 finalists for the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize (GTP), awarded annually by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and GEMS Education.

Although Mr. Adewale did not advance to the Top 10, his achievements and vision have captured the hearts of many across Nigeria. Mr. Adewale’s teaching method employs culturally relevant pedagogy by integrating students’ primary language into mathematics instruction. He noticed early on that when he explained abstract mathematical concepts using familiar Ijebu terms, student engagement soared. For instance, he introduced the concept of a cylinder by referring to it as lajiga, a local term for a cylindrical object like a water pail. This relatable approach demystified complex topics and made learning more accessible and enjoyable.

Beyond his creative classroom strategies, Mr. Adewale is also a passionate advocate for educational technology. His Technology-Assisted Instructional Management Solution allows students to learn in any Nigerian language, making quality education more inclusive. He is equally committed to teacher training through his Transformation1090 Initiative, which has equipped over 30,000 educators with modern, technology-driven teaching techniques.

Mr. Adewale’s journey to international recognition was not without obstacles. He applied for the GTP for three consecutive years without success, nearly giving up at one point. However, his perseverance paid off in 2024 when he was finally shortlisted among the Top 50 finalists.

While he will miss the potential funding and the opportunity to scale up his initiatives globally, Mr. Adewale remains optimistic. With the support of a ₦5 million grant from Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, he plans to continue his mission of educational transformation. The next phase of his teacher training program is scheduled to commence in February.

Mr. Adewale’s initiatives extend beyond mathematics. His Ogun517GoToSpace programme has sparked curiosity about space science among students by connecting them with experts, including NASA professionals. Additionally, his environmental education projects, such as tree-planting drives and climate change simulations, instill a sense of global responsibility in his students.

In his statement following the GTP announcement, Mr. Adewale expressed deep gratitude to the Varkey Foundation, UNESCO, his students, and Nigerians at large for their unwavering support. He emphasized the transformative power of culturally relevant education and called on corporate organizations and individuals to support his vision.

“Together, we have proven that classroom teachers are agents of change. I am proud to stand as a Global Teacher Prize Ambassador and remain committed to the transformation of education in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Adewale’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring impact of education rooted in cultural understanding. As he continues his journey, he serves as an inspiration to educators everywhere, proving that innovative teaching can transcend language barriers and ignite a lifelong love of learning in students.