By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced the opening of entries for the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, with submissions scheduled to run from Thursday, June 3, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
The initiative, which is organised by Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, is a nationwide education-focused programme aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding secondary school teachers for their contribution to national development through teaching and mentorship.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Secretary of the Trust Fund, Uaboi Agbebaku, said the competition remains a key platform for celebrating teachers whose dedication and innovation continue to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
He also disclosed that the organisers are opening partnership opportunities to organisations that share the vision of improving education outcomes in the country.
According to the organisers, the 2026 overall winner will receive a cash prize of ₦10 million, a brand-new Honda HR-V, a one-year supply of Maltina, and an international capacity development training opportunity. In addition, the winning teacher’s school will benefit from an infrastructure project valued at ₦30 million.
The first runner-up will receive ₦5 million and a trophy, while the second runner-up will get ₦3 million and a trophy. Each state champion will also receive a ₦1 million cash prize and a recognition plaque.
The Trust Fund reaffirmed its commitment to education development through sustained investment in teachers, describing the initiative as one of its flagship programmes.
“We believe that investing in teachers is investing in Nigeria’s future,” the organisation stated.
Key partners supporting the 2026 edition include Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc, and Air Peace, all of whom commended the initiative for its long-standing impact on education in Nigeria.
During the event, stakeholders from the education sector highlighted the need for stronger government and private sector support for teachers.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, called for improved investment in public school infrastructure, while representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools noted that the teaching profession continues to face challenges that affect learning outcomes nationwide.
They collectively stressed that improving education in Nigeria requires coordinated efforts from government, private sector players, and civil society.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, established in 2015 under the Trust Fund created in 1994, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
Interested teachers can apply through the official portal maltinateacheroftheyear.com or submit completed application forms via email at maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com.
