Wema Bank has celebrated the winners of its “2025 Wema at 80 Teachers Day Campaign”, recognising and rewarding educators whose influence has shaped generations of students.

The award ceremony, held at the bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, announced the top five teachers who received over N4.5 million worth of prizes for their exceptional contributions to education in Nigeria.

The event, themed ‘Celebrating Teachers with a Legacy of Impact’, was an initiative that recognised and rewarded educators whose influence has shaped generations of students.

Managing Director, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, emphasised that teachers are the unsung heroes behind every great achievement, and their dedication to nurturing minds and shaping the next generation is what builds strong nations.

“Today, we are honoured to celebrate our educators. The teachers who have impacted lives. We celebrate their resilience and dedication, especially as we mark 80 years of empowering communities and driving positive impact. The Wema Bank Teachers Day Campaign is one of the initiatives that we have used to invest in the education sector at large.”

The winners were Abraham Ngobiri, founder of Teens-Train, who received ₦2 million; Mrs. Esther Babasola Adesada, founder of Heritage X Foundation, who received ₦1.5 million; and Ms. Taiwo Alabi, founder of Educycle, who received ₦1 million.

Ngobiri used his platform to impact social change by coaching, mentoring and counseling teens, saw the recognition as a fuel to do more. He expressed gratitude to the Bank and his students, saying it felt good to see teachers celebrated and rewarded by those they have taught.

“For many years, teachers have given their all quietly, and what Wema Bank has done today makes us feel seen and valued. This recognition fuels our commitment to keep shaping lives.”

Adesada described the recognition as “a huge motivation and a pick-me up in a year where I was battling self-doubt in my calling,” adding that “it’s a pointer that no matter the difficulty faced in doing your part, you should keep doing it. The children and even the world are observing, and it will come back to you beautifully one day.”

Alabi said, “To be recognized on this platform means a lot, not just for me but for every teacher who wakes up daily to inspire the next generation. Thank you, Wema Bank, for leading this movement.”

The Wema At 80 Teachers Day Campaign was launched in September 2025, inviting students and alumni to post 80-second videos celebrating unforgettable teachers.

Ten remarkable teachers were shortlisted, with three emerging as overall winners following a rigorous judging process. Wema Bank’s Teachers’ Day Campaign has grown into a nationwide movement, investing over ₦20 million in prizes and mentorship programs, impacting over 3,000 students and 10 schools.