Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026 Competition Now Open for Entries

The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has opened entries for the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition. Submissions can be made from Thursday, 3 June 2026, to Friday, 7 August 2026.

This competition is a national initiative that aims to identify, recognize, and reward outstanding secondary school teachers. It highlights their important role in shaping the future of the nation.

At the launch event, Uaboi Agbebaku, Secretary of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, said the competition is a great way to celebrate teachers. Their commitment and hard work continue to change lives and improve the education system in Nigeria.

Agbebaku also mentioned that some organizations are interested in partnering with the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to support this year's competition. He said that the fund is happy to invite reputable organizations that share their vision to join in.

In his remarks, Mr. Uzodinma Odenigbo, Public Relations Officer of the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, shared details about the prizes. The overall winner will get a cash prize of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00), a brand new Honda HR-V, a year’s supply of Maltina, and a chance for training overseas. Also, the winner's school will receive an infrastructure project worth thirty million naira (N30,000,000.00).

“Odenigbo added, “The first runner-up will take home five million naira (N5,000,000.00) and a trophy. The second runner-up will win three million naira (N3,000,000.00) and a trophy. All state champions will also receive plaques and a cash prize of one million naira (N1,000,000.00) each.”

He emphasized the company's long-term commitment to supporting education. The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition is one of their key efforts in the education sector. This initiative celebrates teachers who inspire others and contribute to national development. Odenigbo said that investing in teachers is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

He thanked partners like Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc, and Air Peace for their support in making this initiative possible.

The guest speaker, Azeez Saheed, spoke about the crucial role of teachers in shaping young minds. He pointed out that many teachers in Nigeria do not get enough recognition for their hard work and called on the government to change this.

During a panel session, Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), stressed the need for investment in public school facilities. She said this is vital to improve learning outcomes for both teachers and students.

Gbenga Ayetoba, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos Chapter, noted that the teaching profession has been neglected by past and current governments. He said there needs to be a change in how people view education in Nigeria.

Olushola Masheyi, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) in Lagos, praised Nigerian Breweries for this initiative. He mentioned that the teaching profession isn't attracting the best talents anymore, which affects the quality of education.

Masheyi said that the challenges in teaching cannot be solved by the government alone. He urged all stakeholders to explore various support structures for better solutions.

Representatives from partner organizations also praised the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for their continuous efforts in supporting this initiative.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition started in 2015 and is funded by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. This fund was created in 1994 to support the education sector in Nigeria in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No.4.

Teachers interested in joining the competition can visit the website www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com to fill out the online application form. They can also download the form, fill it out, scan it, and email it to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com.