Nasarawa Teacher Wins 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award

Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu from Crown Grace School, Nasarawa State, won the 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award, receiving ₦10 million, a gold trophy, an international course, and a ₦20 million project for his school.

Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu, a teacher at Crown Grace School in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) Award. The announcement was made during the grand finale held on Friday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

Ifechukwu’s victory marks a historic first for Nasarawa State, making him the first teacher from the state to win the prestigious award since its launch a decade ago. He outshined 1,476 other participants from across Nigeria to claim the top prize.

As part of the reward package, Ifechukwu will receive ₦10 million in cash, a gold trophy, and an all-expenses-paid short course abroad. In addition, his school will benefit from a ₦20 million project, either a block of classrooms or a laboratory.

The 2024 edition offered enhanced prizes to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the competition. The first runner-up, Kehinde Oladapo Olukayode from Ogun State, and the second runner-up, Aniefiok Iniobong Udoh from Akwa Ibom State, were awarded ₦3 million and ₦2.5 million, respectively.

In a first for the competition, winners were also recognized from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with each state champion receiving ₦1 million.

Dignitaries at the event included the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, represented by Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology. Also in attendance was renowned economist Prof. Patrick Utomi.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year Award is an initiative by Nigerian Breweries Plc, organized under the NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. It aims to celebrate and reward exceptional teachers in public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Nigerian Breweries for creating the award, acknowledging its positive impact on education and the economy. The Minister of State for Education also praised the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in Nigeria’s future.

Hans Essaadi, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, expressed gratitude to the panel of judges led by Prof. Patrick Utomi and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting quality education in Nigeria. Mrs. Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director, further emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing the teaching profession and ensuring the competition grows stronger each year.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE