The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has officially opened entries for the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. Submissions will be accepted from Thursday, June 3, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. This nationwide initiative seeks to identify, recognize, and reward outstanding secondary school teachers for their invaluable contributions to shaping Nigeria's future.
Flag-Off Ceremony Highlights
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Uaboi Agbebaku, Secretary of the Trust Fund, emphasized that the competition serves as a vital platform to celebrate teachers whose dedication, innovation, and commitment continue to transform lives and strengthen the education system. Agbebaku disclosed that several organizations have expressed interest in partnering with the Trust Fund to support this year's competition. According to him, the Fund is delighted to announce partnership opportunities for reputable and progressive organizations that share the initiative's vision and mission.
Prizes and Rewards
In his welcome remarks, Uzodinma Odenigbo, Public Relations Officer of the Trust Fund, revealed that the overall winner will receive a cash prize of N10,000,000, a brand new Honda HR-V, a year's supply of Maltina, and an overseas capacity development training opportunity. Additionally, the winner's school will benefit from an infrastructure project valued at N30,000,000. The first runner-up will receive N5,000,000 and a trophy, while the second runner-up will get N3,000,000 and a trophy. All state champions will be rewarded with recognition plaques and a cash prize of N1,000,000 each.
Commitment to Education
Odenigbo reaffirmed the company's longstanding commitment to supporting education through impactful interventions that strengthen teaching and learning outcomes nationwide. He stated, "The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition remains one of our flagship interventions in the education sector. Through this initiative, we continue to celebrate teachers who go beyond the classroom to inspire excellence, nurture future leaders, and contribute meaningfully to national development. At Nigerian Breweries, we believe that investing in teachers is an investment in Nigeria's future." He expressed profound appreciation to partners including Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc, and Air Peace for their invaluable support.
Keynote Address and Panel Discussion
Delivering the keynote remarks, guest speaker Azeez Saheed underscored the significant role of teachers in shaping young students' futures. He noted that most teachers in Nigeria do not receive adequate recognition and urged the federal government to reverse this narrative. During a panel session titled "How Educational Support Can Enhance Learning Outcomes for Teachers and Students," Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, emphasized the need for government at all levels to invest in and upgrade public school facilities. Gbenga Ayetoba, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Lagos Chapter, explained that the teaching profession has suffered neglect from governments, both past and present, calling for a change in orientation around education in Nigeria. Olushola Masheyi, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) Lagos State, commended NB Plc for the initiative but noted that the teaching profession is no longer attracting the best minds, which has contributed to the low quality of education. He stated that the challenges confronting teaching cannot be addressed by the government alone and urged stakeholders to explore different support structures for a lasting solution. Representatives of the partners commended the Trust Fund for its tireless efforts in sustaining the initiative.
Background and Application
The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition was established in 2015 and is funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, set up in 1994 to contribute to the development of the education sector in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4. Eligible teachers can visit www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com to complete the online application form or download, scan, and email it to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com.
