Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Tudun Wada, Lugbe, Abuja, has emerged winner of this year’s Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition.

Yusuf received a cash prize of N10 million, an all-expense-paid overseas capacity development training, and a N30 million school infrastructure project to be built in her honour by the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.

The first runner-up, Adeola Akinsulure from Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos State, went home with N5 million, while the second runner-up, Chibuzor Amarikwa from Deeper Life High School, Kwana-Waya Village, Yola, Adamawa State, received N3 million.

In addition, 24 other teachers who emerged as State Champions received one million each for their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence in teaching.

Speaking at the grand finale, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the initiative for elevating the teaching profession and reinforcing its value to society.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for its enduring commitment to celebrating teachers, supporting schools, and investing in the future of Nigerian children.

He congratulated the overall winner, urging her to carry the honour with pride and humility as an ambassador of excellence for young people nationwide.

Delivering her goodwill message, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the initiative as a notable partnership between the private sector and government in recognising those who devote their lives to nurturing the next generation.

“Today is a powerful reminder that teachers are the true architects of national transformation. Behind every thriving society lies a corps of educators whose daily labour shapes minds, nurtures values, and builds the foundation for future progress,” Ahmad said, as she applauded the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for its sustained investment in education and the professional dignity of teachers.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin, said the competition was designed to celebrate winners and honour the profession that shapes other professions, noting that teachers remain “the steady hands shaping tomorrow.”

Boidin highlighted the initiative’s growing impact, from improved school facilities to enhanced learning tools and professional recognition. The Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, described the number of this year’s entries as unprecedented and the highest in the 11-year history of the competition.

He attributed the milestone to the increasing trust teachers nationwide place in the programme, and commended the judges for their integrity and professionalism in evaluating the entries.

In her remarks, Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Education Trust Fund for recognising the invaluable role of teachers. She described her win as a powerful motivation to deepen her work, particularly in slum communities.

“Initially, I was shocked because I never thought my effort would be worthy of this great award. With this exciting news, I am motivated to do more and expand the activities I have done so far in slum communities. I am grateful to Nigerian Breweries Plc for creating this platform to honor and recognise teachers. I dedicate this award to children living within the slum communities,” she said.