Teacher from Crown Grace School wins Maltina Teacher of the Year award

Esomnofu Ifechukwu, a teacher from Crown Grace School in Mararaba, Nassarawa State, has been named the winner of the 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. The announcement was made during the competition's Grand Finale held in Lagos on October 11, 2024.

Ifechukwu was awarded a cash prize of N10 million and will also receive an all-expense-paid capacity development training overseas. His school will benefit from infrastructure improvements worth N30 million.

The first runner-up was Kehinde Olukayode from Molusi College in Ogun State, who received a cash prize of N3 million. Aniefiok Udoh from Community Secondary Commercial School in Akwa Ibom State came third, winning N2 million. Additionally, 34 teachers who were recognized as State Champions received N1 million each.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, expressed his gratitude to Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for their commitment to education through this competition. He stated that the initiative highlights the contributions of teachers and uplifts the teaching profession in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, praised the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for celebrating teachers and investing in educational resources. He emphasized that such initiatives inspire teachers and help schools strive for excellence.

Hans Essaadi, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the competition as a platform to recognize and celebrate teachers' roles in shaping society. Corporate Affairs Director Sade Morgan highlighted this year's record number of entries and state champions as evidence of Nigerian teachers' exceptional talents.

Prof. Pat Utomi, Chairman of the Panel of Judges for the competition, noted that this year saw keen competition with high-quality entries reflecting rising education standards in Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, Esomnofu Ifechukwu thanked the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for recognizing teachers' contributions. Winning this award was particularly meaningful to him after applying since 2020.

Since its inception in 2015 by Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, ten grand winners have been celebrated under this initiative designed to honor outstanding teachers across Nigeria.