The management of the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced that the overall winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition will go home with a brand new Honda HR V alongside a cash prize of N10 million.
The announcement was made in Lagos during the official flag off and call for entries for the twelfth edition of the award. Speaking at the event, Sustainability Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Olokun, confirmed that this year’s winner will, for the first time, receive the additional reward of a new Honda vehicle in addition to the existing prize package.
According to him, entries for the competition have already opened and will close on August 7, while the grand finale is scheduled to hold on October 30, 2026, when the overall winner will be unveiled.
Beyond the cash reward and vehicle, the winning teacher will also benefit from a N30 million infrastructure project for their school, a one year supply of Maltina, and an international capacity building training programme.
Olokun noted that last year’s edition recorded over 2,000 entries, with Kaduna, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory leading in participation. He expressed confidence that this year would attract even more entries, given the growing awareness of the initiative.
He added that since its inception, the competition has received more than 11,700 entries, describing it as a platform designed to reward excellence in teaching and inspire greater commitment within the education sector.
In a related remark, Public Relations Officer of the NB Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Uzodinma Odenigbo, restated the full breakdown of the reward structure. He confirmed that the winner will receive N10 million, a Honda HR V, a year’s supply of Maltina and overseas training, while the winning school will benefit from a N30 million infrastructure upgrade.
He also stated that the first runner up will receive N5 million and a trophy, while the second runner up will take home N3 million and a trophy. In addition, state champions across the country will each receive N1 million and a recognition plaque.
Odenigbo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education development, noting that the initiative remains one of its flagship programmes aimed at improving teaching standards and learning outcomes across Nigeria.
He explained that the goal is to consistently celebrate teachers who go beyond classroom duties to inspire students and contribute meaningfully to national growth, adding that investing in teachers is a direct investment in the country’s future.
He also appreciated partner organisations including Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc and Air Peace for their continued support in sustaining the initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, guest speaker Azeez Saheed highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of students, noting that their contributions are often undervalued and require greater recognition from government and society.
During a panel discussion on how educational support can improve learning outcomes, Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, called for increased government investment in school infrastructure and facilities.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos Chapter, Gbenga Ayetoba, said the teaching profession has suffered neglect over the years and stressed the need for a shift in mindset toward education in the country.
President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Lagos State, Olushola Masheyi, commended Nigerian Breweries for the initiative but expressed concern that the profession is no longer attracting top talent, a trend he linked to declining educational standards, Zoyols News reports.
