Lagos Teacher, Adeola Adefemi, who won the Africa’s best teacher prize instituted by the African Union(AU), has charged teachers in the State and around the world to be dedicated and committed to valuable upbringing of children beyond the four walls of the classroom.
This, she said, was necessary to raise a community of future leaders who will be valuable to Lagos, the Country and the world at large.
She added that it is important for teachers to beyond the curriculum prioritise the welfare and development of pupils under their care.
Recall that barely two weeks after she won the Africa’s best teacher prize instituted by the African Union(AU), Adeola Adefemi, an English language teacher at Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos won again Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) Award for the year 2023.
It would be recalled, that last year, Adefemi, won the Best Teacher Prize in Lagos State and was celebrated and rewarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu, with an SUV car. Later same year, she won again, the Presidential Best Teacher Prize in Nigeria and was given another SUV by the Federal Government.
Her victory at the Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) Award meant victory for Lagos State at the ninth edition of the competition – the first time the State will be winning since its inception in 2015.
Adeola Adefemi, a teacher, Keke Senior High School 1, Agege, Lagos, broke the nine-year-old jinx when she was on Friday, October 21, 2023, crowned Maltina Teacher of the Year. The Nigerian Breweries FelixFelix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the annual national competition to reward Nigerian teachers in public and private secondary schools.
Lagos was represented in 2015 by Odusanya Tolulope Joseph, also in 2020; Calista Chika Ume-Ezeoke, 2016 and 2017; Samuel Abiodun Ajayi, 2018; Soji Augustine Megbowon, 2019; Lanre Abolaji Oguntoye, 2021 and Blessing Lydia Titiloye, 2022.
As soon as Adeola was pronounced winner, Lagos State Government literally took over the ceremony.
Read the winner, Adeola’s words: “I feel incredibly honoured to have broken the jinx for Lagos State in the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition. It is a moment of immense satisfaction, not just for me, but for teachers in Lagos. This victory signifies our dedication to education and our commitment to the welfare of our students, even beyond the classroom.
“Teachers are an integral part of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s THEMES agenda, and it is truly fulfilling to showcase to the world the exceptional quality of teachers we have in Lagos State. It is worth noting that some of our teachers have excelled in previous years as well, with Mr. Soji Megbowon even reached the position of the first runner-up in 2019.
“This is a testament to the consistent excellence of educators in Lagos State, and we are proud of our rich legacy of nurturing talent and shaping the future of our students through education.
“The competition gathered some of the most dedicated and talented educators from across the country, and the level of competition was exceptionally high. In the face of such outstanding competitors, it could have been anybody’s game.
“The victory is not just a win for me but for every teacher. It is also a celebration of the dedication and expertise that thrives among teachers nationwide.
“The win serves as a reminder that every teacher contributes significantly to shaping the future of the nation. I am only privileged to be part of this inspiring community of educators.
“It would be difficult for me to say I was not expecting that level of celebration from the state government officials after being declared the winner. To be honest, this is Lagos, and we have a tradition of celebrat…
[10:17 am, 12/12/2023] Moses: Morning Mr. Wale. Pls this story is on Lagos page but I can’t find the online link on platform.