Kayode Adewale, a Nigerian STEM educator, has been shortlisted for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for his innovative teaching methods, including using local languages and technology to enhance learning, while making significant contributions to education and teacher training.


Kayode Adewale, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educator at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School, Ogun State, has been named one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize (GTP).
Renowned for his innovative approach to teaching, Adewale simplifies complex mathematical concepts by translating them into local languages, making learning more accessible for his students. He is the only Nigerian and one of seven Africans to make the 2025 shortlist for this annual award.
The Global Teacher Prize, established in 2014 by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO, celebrates exceptional teachers worldwide who make significant contributions to education. Now in its 11th edition, the award recognizes educators addressing global challenges like inequality, climate change, and technological advancements, offering $1 million to the winner.
Adewale’s accolades include being named Ogun State’s Best Senior Secondary School Teacher in 2020, receiving 30 laptops for his school from Co-Creation Hub in 2019, and winning the Ogun State Maltina Best Teacher of the Year award in 2022. He was also shortlisted for the 2024 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program.
Addressing challenges such as limited access to educational resources, Adewale has integrated technology into teaching through platforms like the Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS), Inquiry Learning Space (ILS), and PhET simulations. These initiatives have enhanced his students’ digital literacy and academic performance in national and regional exams.
As part of his Transformation1090 Initiative, Adewale has trained over 30,000 teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching. He also founded the Ogun517GoToSpace program, inspiring interest in space science and STEM careers through collaborations with global experts, including NASA professionals.
Sunny Varkey, Chairperson of the Varkey Foundation, praised the finalists for championing inclusivity, child rights, and innovative teaching practices, underscoring the importance of education in tackling global issues.
Despite facing setbacks in his two previous attempts, Adewale’s determination and groundbreaking efforts have earned him this recognition, further cementing his impact on education in Nigeria and beyond.
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