Abuja Teacher, 31, Wins N10m Maltina Teacher of the Year Award
Thirty-one-year-old Yusuf Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, has been crowned Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, taking home the N10 million grand prize at the 11th edition of the competition held in Lagos.
Yusuf, an English and Literature teacher, was selected by a Prof. Pat Utomi-led panel of judges as the top performer among ten finalists. Her prize also includes a trophy, school infrastructure projects worth N30 million, and a capacity-building training opportunity abroad.
Yusuf attributed her win to a combination of self-development, focus, diligence, resilience, mentorship, collaboration, and the grace of God, emphasizing that preparation, meeting opportunities played a key role in her success.
She intends to use her prize to empower underprivileged children, support parents who cannot afford school fees, enhance menstrual hygiene for girls, and implement community-based and school-based projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
First runner-up Akinselure Adeola of Omole Senior Grammar School, Lagos, received N5 million, while second runner-up Amarikwa Chibuzor of Deeper Life High School, Adamawa, won N3 million. The event, attended by government and educational stakeholders, celebrated teachers as heroes in classrooms, highlighting their crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year award, launched in 2015 by Nigerian Breweries through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, recognizes exceptional secondary school teachers and promotes educational excellence. With over 2,000 applications this year, the competition underscores growing appreciation for teachers’ impact on students and communities.
Every child has the right to quality education under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Recognizing and supporting outstanding teachers ensures that children have access to skilled, motivated educators who can provide safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments, enabling every child to reach their full potential and enjoy their right to education.
