“Maltina Teacher of the Year Movement Gains Government Backing as NUT, TRCN Leaders Meet Minister.”

Yesterday in Abuja, the teaching profession once again took center stage as the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and the Maltina Teacher of the Year (MTOTY) team paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The high-powered delegation, led by Dr. Clinton Ikpitibo, Secretary-General of the NUT, and Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Chief Executive of the TRCN, underscored the enduring impact of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition as stakeholders intensify efforts to embed it into broader sustainability strategies.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has grown into more than an annual award, it is now a national movement championing the dignity of teachers, rewarding excellence, and inspiring new generations of Nigerians to embrace education as a tool for transformation.

A Journey of Recognition and Inspiration

For decades, teachers were celebrated mainly on symbolic occasions like World Teachers’ Day, with few structured recognition platforms for their tireless contributions. MTOTY has disrupted that cycle by consistently shining the spotlight on educators in every state of the federation. Today, the competition has elevated the status of teachers, rekindled pride in the profession, and strengthened Nigeria’s pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): Quality Education for All.

“Beyond the cash prizes and national recognition, the competition has instilled hope, strengthened professionalism, and positioned teaching as a career of honor,” Dr. Ikpitibo remarked during the visit. Dr. Soyombo added that MTOTY aligns perfectly with the TRCN’s mandate to professionalize teaching and improve standards nationwide.

Past Winners Who Became Trailblazers

The impact of the competition is perhaps best captured in the lives of its past winners.

• Michael Omale (2017 Winner, Federal Government College, Suleja, Niger State): A chemistry teacher, Omale’s innovative teaching methods transformed his classroom into a hub of practical learning. Winning MTOTY not only brought him national attention but also inspired his colleagues to adopt more student-centered approaches. His recognition became a rallying point in his community, where young people began to see teaching as a respected career path.
• Olasunkanmi Opeifa (2020 Winner, Government Day Secondary School, Karu, Abuja): Known for his creative integration of technology and storytelling in English language classes, Opeifa stood out as a teacher who blended traditional instruction with modern tools. After his MTOTY victory, he was nominated for the Global Teacher Prize, bringing Nigeria’s teaching excellence onto the world stage. His story continues to motivate educators nationwide to innovate despite limited resources.
• Julius Agbaje (2022 Winner, Christian Mission for the Deaf School, Ibadan, Oyo State): Agbaje broke barriers as an art teacher working with hearing-impaired students. His recognition highlighted the importance of inclusivity in education, showing that excellence thrives even in overlooked corners of the education system. His win amplified conversations about disability-inclusive teaching in Nigeria.
• Christiana Ebeke (2023 Winner, Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha, Anambra State): Ebeke’s journey underscored resilience and passion. A biology teacher who introduced practical innovations in science learning, she inspired her students, especially girls, to pursue STEM fields. Her award cemented the idea that teachers are architects of national development.

Government’s Endorsement and the Road Ahead

Responding to the delegation, Minister Suwaiba Said Ahmed commended the initiative as a model of public-private partnership that complements government reforms in the education sector. “Teachers are the backbone of our system, and initiatives like MTOTY ensure they are recognized, motivated, and supported to deliver the quality education Nigeria needs,” she stated.

As the Abuja-led visit concluded, the message is clear: MTOTY has evolved into more than a corporate social responsibility project. It is now a cultural touchstone for excellence in teaching, a platform that inspires inclusivity, and a legacy that continues to dignify teachers while reshaping perceptions about the profession.

The stories of past winners remain living proof that investing in teachers is investing in the nation’s future.

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