Yusuf Serah, a 31-year-old English and Literature teacher at Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, has been named the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, taking home the N10 million grand prize.
She was announced winner at the grand finale of the 11th edition of the competition held on Friday night in Lagos, after emerging the top candidate among 10 national finalists shortlisted by a panel led by Prof. Pat Utomi.
Her rewards include a trophy, N30 million worth of infrastructure projects for her school, and an international capacity-building programme.
Reacting to her victory, Yusuf attributed her success to “self-development, focus, diligence, resilience, dedication, mentorship, collaboration and the grace of God.” She said the prize would support her work with underprivileged children, promote girls’ hygiene projects, and scale up her education-driven initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s competition, organised by the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, received over 2,000 entries—more than 30 percent higher than last year’s.
Akinseleure Adeola of Omole Senior Grammar School, Lagos, emerged first runner-up, winning N5 million, while Amarikwa Chibuzor of Deeper Life High School, Yola, came third with a N3 million prize.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, restated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving teacher welfare and professional growth. Utomi also urged more programmes that honour teachers as national heroes.
Delivering the keynote address, 11-year-old Ayomide Avoseh of the Slum2School Initiative called for greater investment in teachers and safe learning spaces, saying Nigeria’s future “resides in its classrooms.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Thibaut Boidin, described teachers as the nation’s “true wealth,” while Corporate Affairs Director Uzodinma Odenigbo said the spike in entries reflects the increasing impact of the award.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, and representatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Launched in 2015, the Maltina Teacher of the Year award honours exceptional secondary school teachers across the country and provides cash prizes, international training, and school infrastructure support.
