Entries Open for 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, inviting secondary school teachers across Nigeria to submit entries between June 3 and August 7, 2026.

Now in its 12th year, the initiative is designed to recognise and reward exceptional teachers whose contributions continue to shape students and strengthen the country’s education sector.

Speaking during the launch of the competition, Secretary of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Uaboi Agbebaku, described the programme as an important platform for celebrating educators who demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation, and impact in the classroom.

Agbebaku also revealed that the Trust Fund is opening the door to new partnerships, noting that several organisations have already expressed interest in supporting the initiative. He said the programme welcomes collaborations with institutions that share its vision of advancing education in Nigeria.

Highlighting the rewards for this year’s edition, the Trust Fund’s Public Relations Officer, Uzodinma Odenigbo, announced that the overall winner will receive a prize package valued at N10 million, a brand-new Honda HR-V, a one-year supply of Maltina, and an international capacity-building training opportunity.

In addition, the winner’s school will benefit from an infrastructure project worth N30 million.

According to Odenigbo, the first runner-up will receive N5 million and a trophy, while the second runner-up will go home with N3 million and a trophy. State champions across the country will each receive a plaque and N1 million in recognition of their achievements.

He reaffirmed Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to supporting education through programmes that promote excellence in teaching and learning.

“The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition remains one of our flagship educational interventions. It celebrates teachers who go beyond their classroom responsibilities to inspire students, nurture future leaders, and contribute to national development,” he said.

Odenigbo also acknowledged the support of key partners, including Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc, and Air Peace, for their continued contributions to the programme.

Delivering the keynote address, education advocate Azeez Saheed stressed the critical role teachers play in shaping society, while calling for greater recognition and appreciation of the profession in Nigeria.

During a panel discussion on improving educational outcomes, stakeholders highlighted several challenges affecting the sector. The Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, urged governments to prioritise investments in school infrastructure and learning facilities.

Similarly, Lagos State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Gbenga Ayetoba, said the teaching profession has suffered years of neglect and called for a renewed commitment to improving the welfare and status of educators.

Also speaking, the Lagos State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Olushola Masheyi, commended Nigerian Breweries for sustaining the initiative. He expressed concern that teaching is no longer attracting top talent and noted that improving educational standards would require support from both government and private-sector stakeholders.

Representatives of partner organisations also praised the Trust Fund for its continued efforts to promote excellence in education through the annual competition.

Established in 2015 and funded by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition forms part of broader efforts to support education in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

Interested and eligible teachers can submit applications through the competition portal or download and complete the application form before emailing it to the organisers.