By DAYO ADESULU
Lagos, Nigeria — Ten teachers from different parts of Nigeria have emerged as finalists for the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, setting the stage for the selection of the country’s outstanding educator at the grand finale scheduled for October 30 in Lagos.
The finalists emerged after a second-phase assessment conducted by the panel of judges overseeing the competition organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
According to the organisers, the top 10 candidates recorded the highest scores among 213 teachers who advanced to the second stage of the competition.
The development marks another milestone in the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative, which recognises exceptional teachers and celebrates their contributions to education and national development.
Meet the 10 Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026 Finalists
The 10 finalists represent schools across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.
The shortlisted teachers are:
- Egwu Flora Ngozi — Ibeku High School, Abia State.
- Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo — Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
- Edumu Tama Christopher — MasterCare International School, Asaba, Delta State.
- Isaac Endurance — Bethel Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State.
- Adeboye Damilola Vincent — Ikole City College, Ikole, Ekiti State.
- Obiora Ujunwa Uzoamaka — Deeper Life High School, Amokpo Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.
- Yusuf Cariyat — Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Sauka, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT.
- Adeyemo Busayo Victoria — Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos State.
- Omotayo Olabisi Akintunde — Ilugun High School Junior, Elega, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
- Okegbemi Olajumoke Olukemi — Ilado/Sagbo Community Grammar School, Iseyin, Oyo State.
Their emergence places them in contention for the overall award and the opportunity to be recognised among Nigeria’s leading educators.
How the Overall Winner Will Be Selected
The competition will proceed to its final screening stage, where the 10 shortlisted teachers will undergo an online assessment and a physical screening before the panel of judges.
During the physical screening, the candidates will defend their entries and demonstrate why they deserve to win the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year award.
The assessment process will determine the overall winner and runners-up, while the competition will also recognise state champions.
The organisers are expected to announce and honour the winners at the grand finale on October 30, 2026, in Lagos.
Nigerian Breweries Commends Teachers
Commenting on the emergence of the finalists, Uzodinma Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, praised the participating teachers for their dedication to the profession and their commitment to shaping future generations.
Odenigbo said the shortlisted candidates reflected the quality of talent and commitment within Nigeria’s teaching profession.
He also commended all participating teachers and expressed anticipation for the final screening, noting the importance of celebrating educators whose work continues to transform lives and inspire future generations.
His remarks underscore the competition’s emphasis on recognising teachers whose contributions extend beyond classroom instruction to the development of young people and society.
Competition Records 2,243 Valid Entries
The 2026 edition attracted 2,243 valid entries from teachers across Nigeria, according to the organisers.
Of these, 213 teachers advanced to the second phase, from which the final 10 emerged following the judges’ assessment.
The figures highlight the nationwide reach of the competition and the level of participation in an initiative designed to recognise excellence in teaching.
For the finalists, the next stage will be crucial as they seek to distinguish themselves through their professional achievements, teaching experience and the evidence presented during the final assessment.
About the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition in 2015 to identify, honour and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.
The initiative has received the endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Education and support from education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Through the annual competition, the organisers seek to promote the teaching profession and recognise educators whose efforts contribute to improved learning and the development of future generations.
Why This Matters
Teachers play a central role in Nigeria’s education system, influencing students’ academic performance, personal development and future opportunities.
Recognising outstanding educators can help draw attention to the importance of effective teaching, encourage professional commitment and highlight the achievements of teachers working in different parts of the country.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition also provides a platform for celebrating educators whose work may otherwise receive limited public attention.
As the 2026 competition approaches its conclusion, the October 30 grand finale will reveal which of the 10 finalists emerges as the overall winner and which teachers receive recognition as state champions.
The outcome will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of teachers to education across Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who organises the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition?
The competition is organised by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
2. How many teachers made the 2026 shortlist?
Ten teachers emerged as finalists after the second-phase assessment.
3. How many entries did the 2026 competition receive?
The organisers reported 2,243 valid entries from teachers across Nigeria.
4. When and where will the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year winner be announced?
The overall winner and state champions are scheduled to be announced and honoured at the grand finale on October 30, 2026, in Lagos.
5. How will the overall winner be selected?
The finalists will undergo an online assessment and a physical screening before a panel of judges, during which they will defend their entries.
Conclusion
With 10 teachers advancing to the final stage, the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition is approaching its climax.
The finalists represent schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting the geographical spread of this year’s shortlisted educators.
Attention will now turn to the October 30 grand finale in Lagos, where the overall winner, runners-up and state champions are expected to be honoured for their contributions to teaching and education in Nigeria.
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