Esomnofu Ifechukwu, a teacher at Crown Grace School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year (MTOTY) competition. Beating over 1,476 teachers from across Nigeria, Ifechukwu becomes the first teacher from Nasarawa State to win the award in the competition’s 10-year history.
His victory comes with an impressive prize package, including ₦10 million, a gold trophy, an all-expenses-paid international training, and a ₦30 million block of classrooms for his school. This year’s competition celebrated its 10th anniversary with increased prize offerings to recognize and elevate the contributions of Nigerian educators.
In second place, Kehinde Olukayode from Molusi College, Ogun State, received ₦3 million, and Aniefiok Udoh from Community Secondary Commercial School in Akwa Ibom took third, earning ₦2 million. Additionally, 34 state champions received ₦1 million each for their exemplary teaching.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year award, an initiative by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, is designed to celebrate exceptional teachers in public and private secondary schools. The award recognizes their vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
Praise from Government Officials
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, applauded Nigerian teachers for their role in molding the next generation despite facing numerous challenges. He emphasized that the initiative reflects Nigerian Breweries’ long-term commitment to uplifting the teaching profession.
Similarly, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, represented by Yaba College of Technology’s Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, praised the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative. He noted that it promotes excellence in teaching and motivates schools to strive for better standards. Sununu also highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to restore the dignity of the teaching profession with a recently developed National Teaching Policy, aimed at improving teacher remuneration, career progression, and standards.
Corporate Support for Quality Education
Hans Essaadi, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, expressed gratitude to the panel of judges, led by Professor Patrick Utomi, for their work in selecting the winners. Essaadi reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting quality education and commended teachers for their unwavering commitment to shaping young minds. According to him, the role of teachers in instilling values, knowledge, and skills is indispensable for societal progress.
Mrs. Sade Morgan, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to improving the teaching profession. She noted that the 2023 edition of the competition had an unprecedented number of entries and state champions. A total of 1,300 valid entries were received, with champions emerging from all 37 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
