Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the commencement of entries for the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) award competition.

The annual award aims to identify, reward, and celebrate exemplary teachers in public and private secondary schools nationwide.

For the first time, the grand prize winner will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V alongside the traditional ₦10 million cash prize. The first and second runners-up will receive ₦5 million and ₦3 million respectively, while state champions will get ₦1 million each.

Thirty-two-year-old Yusuf Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, won the 2025 edition.

Speaking at a Lagos press conference, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Uzo Odenigbo, noted that the 12-year-old initiative has profoundly impacted Nigeria’s education sector. Funded through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, participation remains completely free.

Odenigbo added that the overall winner will also receive a plaque, a certificate, and an all-expenses-paid capacity development training. Additionally, the winner’s school will receive a ₦30 million priority project.

The winners will be unveiled at a grand finale on October 30. During the event, Odenigbo also expressed deep concern over recent school abductions. “I am deeply saddened by the kidnapping of a principal, teachers, and students in Oyo State, and I pray for their quick, safe return,” he said.

The Sustainability and CSR Manager, Mr Oluseye Ologun, explained that participating teachers must be certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and be under 55 years old. The initiative has recognised over 300 state champions and 11 grand prize winners since inception. Ologun thanked co-sponsors, including Union Bank Plc, Air Peace, and Honda Automobile, for their impactful partnership.

Eligible teachers can submit entries physically or online at www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com from Thursday, June 5, until the closing date on Friday, August 7.

Stakeholders who praised the initiative included TRCN Registrar Ronke Soyombo, represented by Lagos Coordinator Mrs Adaobi Ekwuno; Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Lagos Secretary Mr Gbenga Ayetoba; and ANCOPSS Lagos Chapter President Olushola Masheyi. They emphasised that human capital investment is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.

However, the NUT secretary lamented long-standing government neglect of the teaching profession, calling for a shift in how education is prioritised nationwide.

Past winners of the award include Rose Nkemdilim Obi (2015), Imoh Essien (2016), Felix Ariguzo (2017), Olasunkanmi Opeifa (2018), Ezem Collins (2019), Oluwabunmi Anani (2020), Abanika Taiye (2021), Alaku Ayiwulu (2022), Adeola Adefemi (2023), Ifecchukwu Esomnofu (2024), and Yusuf Serah (2025). (Saturday Tribune, excluding headline)