By DAYO ADESULU
The organisers of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition have unveiled a more attractive reward package for the 2026 edition, with the overall winner set to receive a brand-new Honda HR-V alongside a N10 million cash prize.
The Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund officially opened entries for the 12th edition of the prestigious competition on Wednesday at the company’s headquarters in Iganmu, Lagos.
Applications will remain open until August 7, while the grand finale, where the 2026 champion will be crowned, is scheduled for October 30.
Speaking during the launch, Sustainability Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Olokun, said the expanded prize package reflects the organisation’s commitment to celebrating excellence in teaching and encouraging educators to remain dedicated to shaping future generations.
According to him, the winning teacher will not only receive the cash reward and a new Honda HR-V but will also benefit from international professional development training, a one-year supply of Maltina, and N30 million worth of infrastructural development for the winner’s school.
The competition also retains significant rewards for other outstanding participants. The first runner-up will receive N5 million, while the second runner-up will go home with N3 million. In addition, the best teachers from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive N1 million each.
Olokun noted that the competition has continued to gain nationwide recognition, attracting more than 11,700 entries since its inception. He revealed that Kaduna, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory produced the highest number of submissions among the over 2,000 entries received during the 2025 edition.
He expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would record even greater participation as awareness of the initiative continues to grow across the country.
“The objective of this programme is to recognise exceptional teachers and inspire greater commitment to the teaching profession,” he said.
The 2025 edition was won by Yusuf Serah, a 32-year-old educator from Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja.
Also speaking at the event, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Uzodinma Odenigbo, highlighted the competition’s impact since its launch in 2015.
According to him, more than 300 teachers have been recognised at both state and national levels through the initiative. He added that the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has supported education development by renovating and donating about 430 classrooms and libraries across 80 communities nationwide.
Odenigbo stressed that improving school infrastructure remains a key priority in creating an environment that supports effective teaching and learning.
Addressing recent security concerns affecting schools, he called on government authorities and stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect teachers and students. He also expressed hope for the safe return of those recently abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
The launch ceremony attracted representatives from Nigerian Breweries, Honda Manufacturing Nigeria, Air Peace, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Union Bank, and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, among other stakeholders.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition remains one of Nigeria’s foremost initiatives aimed at recognising educators and promoting excellence within the nation’s education sector.
