Teachers in the country have been urged to always think outside the box and ensure they impart not only knowledge and skills on their students, but also make significant contributions to the growth and development of communities they work.

Multiple-award winning educators, including Olalekan Adeeko, Adeola Adefemi, Rasheedat Sadiq, and Chidiebube Esomnuofu, gave the charge as panelists at the second edition of the yearly Phenomenon Impact Edu Conference held in Abuja.

The programme was put together by the Global Teacher Prize finalist and winner of the 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year, Olasunkami Opeifa.

The panelists shared their success and inspiring stories, which have made significant impacts not only in their fields, but in the education sector and their local communities, and also earned them professional recognition and laurels both locally and internationally.

Sadiq, a Cambridge trained English Language and Literacy teacher, shared her journey from veterinary medicine practice to the classroom, saying the shift was driven by a life-long passion for teaching.

Sadiq discussed the challenges she faced and the fulfilment she found in her new career as a teacher.

On his part, Adeeko, winner of the African Union Teacher Prize, highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance teaching skills and explore alternative income sources.

He urged participants to always collaborate with colleagues both locally and globally, saying that is a veritable way to provide their students with diverse perspectives on issues.

Adefemi, who teaches English language at Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos, revealed her strategies for winning numerous awards in the last two years, including the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year and best Lagos teacher same year.

She said while winning awards is not her primary motive as a teacher but to impart her students, the honour is a clear demonstration of the quality of service she renders both in class and the community where she works.

“So, diligence, resilience, networking, and mentorship are key drivers for teachers to get maximum impact in service delivery,” she stated.

On his part, Esomnuofu argued that while one may have flare for a particular subject over others, every subject can be demystified by a determined teacher.

He recalled his fear for mathematics while in school, how he conquered it, and developed a special interest in the subject, giving it all the needed attention.

Esomnuofu said he has transformed to become one of the leading online mathematics educator in the country.

“Today, I have become a brand and household name in mathematics, teaching on Facebook and YouTube, with over 80,000 followers as my students.”

He, therefore, urged participants to be more dedicated and always seek new knowledge that could enhance their service delivery.