Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the commencement of entries for this year’s Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) award competition.

The award aims to identify, reward, and celebrate exemplary teachers in public and private secondary schools nationwide.

For the first time, the grand prize winner will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V, in addition to the traditional N10 million cash prize. The first and second runners-up will receive N5 million and N3 million, respectively, while state champions will get N1 million each.

Thirty-two-year-old Yusuf Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence, Abuja, won the 2025 edition.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Uzo Odenigbo, noted that the 12-year-old initiative has profoundly impacted Nigeria’s education sector. Funded through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, participation remains completely free.

Odenigbo added that the overall winner will also receive a plaque, a certificate, and an all-expenses-paid capacity development training. Additionally, the winner’s school will receive a N30 million priority project.

At the event, Odenigbo also expressed concerns over increased cases of school abductions and prayed for their safe return.

The Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Oluseye Ologun, explained that participating teachers must be certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and be under 55 years old. The initiative has recognised over 300 state champions and 11 grand prize winners since inception.

Eligible teachers are enjoined to submit entries physically or online at www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com from June 5 till the closing date on August 7.

Stakeholders, including the TRCN, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All-Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), noted that human capital investment is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Past winners of the award include Rose Nkemdilim Obi (2015), Imoh Essien (2016), Felix Ariguzo (2017), Olasunkanmi Opeifa (2018), Ezem Collins (2019), Oluwabunmi Anani (2020), Abanika Taiye (2021), Alaku Ayiwulu (2022), Adeola Adefemi (2023), Ifecchukwu Esomnofu (2024), and Yusuf Serah (2025).