Adeyemo Busayo, a dedicated teacher from Lanre Awolokun High School in Lagos, has been crowned the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026, winning a grand prize of N10 million and a Honda HR-V. The announcement was made during a gala event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Friday night.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, organized by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund in collaboration with Union Bank, Air Peace, Eko Hotels and Suites, and Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited, aims to recognize and celebrate exceptional teachers across Nigeria. This year’s edition marked a significant milestone as it included a car in the winner's prize package for the first time.

In addition to the cash prize and vehicle, Adeyemo's school will benefit from a N30 million infrastructure development package, alongside a year’s supply of Maltina and an opportunity for international capacity-building training. Adeyemo expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunities to teach, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of learners.”

The competition saw participation from 2,243 teachers nationwide, showcasing the depth of talent within the education sector. The finalists included notable educators from various states, with Yusuf Cariyat from Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja taking the first runner-up position and receiving N5 million. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo from Comprehensive Secondary School in Akwa Ibom State secured the third position, winning N3 million.

During her acceptance speech, Cariyat dedicated her achievement to her students, emphasizing their role in motivating her as an educator. She encouraged fellow teachers to continue striving for excellence in their classrooms and communities.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who praised the initiative for its role in uplifting the teaching profession. He highlighted the importance of investing in teachers, stating, “Our teachers deserve our recognition and support. Their work shapes the future of our children and the future of our nation.”

The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition has been a platform for celebrating teaching excellence since its inception, with past winners from various states, including Rose Obi from Anambra in 2015 and Serah Yusuf from Abuja in 2025. Adeyemo's victory adds her name to this esteemed list, reinforcing the vital role of educators in shaping the future of Nigeria.