Adeola Akinsulure: Only African Educator in 2026 Global Top 10, Exemplifying the Teacher Fire Revolution
Nigerian teacher Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure has been named among the world’s top 10 educators for 2026, the only African to reach this stage, in recognition of her transformative science teaching and her embodiment of the Teacher Fire Revolution principles.
How Did She Transform Learning in Under-Resourced Classrooms?
Akinsulure teaches in a state-run secondary school serving predominantly low-income households, where overcrowded classrooms, limited funding, and intermittent electricity create daily challenges. Despite these constraints, remarkable learning outcomes have been achieved: pass rates in biology exams surged from 45.3% to 99% in a single year, and the school has been recognized among the top 50 in West Africa.
Her SOAR+T teaching model combines gamified assessment, edutainment, interactive exercises, real-world problem solving, and low-cost digital tools. Music, role play, and hands-on demonstrations are deliberately used to make science concepts accessible, memorable, and engaging. Through these methods, children’s curiosity is ignited, and deep understanding is cultivated.
Championing Girls’ Education and Technology
Beyond academics, Akinsulure has focused on widening access to science and technology for girls. She founded the Environmental Bees Club and the REACHHer Hub, which have reached more than 500 children across 106 schools. These programs offer practical learning in robotics, artificial intelligence, menstrual health education, and waste-to-wealth initiatives, empowering children to develop skills for the future.
Embodying the Teacher Fire Revolution
Akinsulure’s work exemplifies the principles of the Teacher Fire Revolution:
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Primacy of the Teacher: The teacher’s role is central in shaping learning outcomes.
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Best-Interest-of-the-Child: All decisions prioritize children’s growth, development, and long-term success.
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Heart Teacher vs. Head Teacher: Teaching connects with children’s hearts, not just their minds, using wisdom, passion, compassion, and conviction.
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Igniting Human Ingenuity: Children’s innate creativity and problem-solving abilities are nurtured and matured.
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T-E-A-C-H-E-R-S Model in Action: Knowledge is advanced continuously, care is given wholeheartedly, innovation is used to empower and transform, and respect for children’s rights is central.
Her approach demonstrates that a teacher’s vision, creativity, and sacrificial commitment can transform classrooms and lives, even in under-resourced schools.
Global Recognition and African Milestone
By reaching the top 10 globally and being the only African teacher recognized in 2026, Akinsulure has set a benchmark for educators across the continent. Her success highlights how teachers can transform children’s learning, ignite potential, and strengthen trust in educational systems when principles of dedication, innovation, and child-centered pedagogy are applied.
Lessons for Education Systems
Akinsulure’s achievements underscore that educational transformation does not rely solely on budgets. When teachers are empowered, children flourish, communities gain confidence in schools, and the long-term goal of releasing “finished and excellent” children into society is realized. Her recognition serves as a powerful example of how the Teacher Fire Revolution principles can be applied to create equitable, inspiring, and results-driven education worldwide.
