Lagos Biology Teacher Busayo Adeyemo Wins 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year

Labels: Education, Awards, Lagos, Nigeria (Illustrative image) A joyful Nigerian teacher celebrating an award win on a gala stage with confetti. (Image: Fo) Busayo Adeyemo, a Biology teacher in Lagos State, has been named the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year, emerging top of a national field of teachers recognised for excellence in the classroom. The award, organised by Nigerian Breweries through the Maltina brand, is one of Nigeria's most prominent teaching prizes and comes with a cash award and development support for the winner's school. Who Is Busayo Adeyemo? Adeyemo teaches Biology in Lagos and was selected for the 2026 edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year award after a judging process that reviews teachers' classroom impact, innovation and contribution to their school communities, Channels Television reported. The award has become a benchmark for teaching excellence in Nigeria since it was instituted, celebrating teachers who go beyond the syllabus to change outcomes for their students. What Does the Award Carry? The winner receives a cash prize and a capacity-development programme, alongside recognition at a national ceremony attended by education stakeholders. Previous editions of the award have also funded school infrastructure and training projects for winning teachers' schools, part of the programme's stated aim of raising the profile of the teaching profession in Nigeria. The organisers say the prize is designed to reward not just examination results but the broader work teachers do in shaping their students. Why Does This Award Matter? Nigeria's public education system has struggled for years with underfunding, teacher shortages and classroom overcrowding, and teaching awards like this one are among the few platforms that publicly reward excellence in the profession. Education advocates say celebrating exceptional teachers helps change the perception of teaching as a low-status career, and encourages investment in teacher development. Adeyemo's win adds a Lagos name to the award's growing list of honourees drawn from across the country. Frequently Asked Questions Who won the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year? Busayo Adeyemo, a Biology teacher based in Lagos State. Who organises the award? Nigerian Breweries, through its Maltina brand, with support from education-sector partners. What does the winner get? A cash award, a professional development programme, and support for projects in the winner's school. Sources: Channels Television, Punch.