Nigerian Breweries Plc has officially opened entries for the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) award competition. This initiative aims to identify, reward, and celebrate outstanding teachers in both public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.
New Grand Prize for 2026
For the first time, the overall winner will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V in addition to the traditional N10 million cash prize. The first runner-up will get N5 million, and the second runner-up will receive N3 million. Each state champion will be awarded N1 million.
Last year's winner, 32-year-old Yusuf Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, was honored at the 2025 edition.
Impact on Education
Speaking in Lagos, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, highlighted that the 12-year-old initiative has significantly 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 benefit from a N30 million priority project. The winners will be announced at a grand finale on October 30.
Odenigbo also expressed concern over the increasing cases of school abductions and prayed for the safe return of all affected students.
Eligibility and Entry Process
The Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Oluseye Ologun, explained that participating teachers must be certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and be under 55 years old. Since its inception, the initiative has recognized over 300 state champions and 11 grand prize winners.
Eligible teachers can submit entries physically or online at www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com from June 5 until the closing date on August 7.
Stakeholder Support
Stakeholders, including the TRCN, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), emphasized that investing in human capital is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth.
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).
