By Peace Udugba
Lagos, Nigeria – June 8, 2026
Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teachers and advancing education in Nigeria at the launch of the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition (MTOTY) in Lagos.
Now in its third consecutive year as a partner of the initiative, the bank joined organisers, Nigerian Breweries Plc, the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, educators, and other stakeholders at a panel session focused on how educational support can improve learning outcomes for both teachers and students.
Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, described education as a strategic priority for the institution rather than a corporate social responsibility obligation.
According to her, investment in education is critical to national development.
“At Union Bank, we believe education is not a social obligation. It is a strategic investment,” she said. “A nation that does not invest in its teachers and its learners is borrowing from its own future, and we are in the business of building futures, not mortgaging them.”
Aluko highlighted Edu360, the bank’s flagship education initiative under its UnionCares platform, as a practical demonstration of that commitment. She explained that Edu360 supports the entire education value chain by improving access to education for children in underserved communities, investing in teacher development, promoting digital literacy and STEM education, and preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
She also urged financial institutions to play a more active role in strengthening the education ecosystem.
“Financial institutions need to stop thinking of ourselves as donors and start thinking of ourselves as ecosystem builders,” she said. “We can embed financial literacy into school curricula, design products that help parents save for their children’s education, and convene policymakers, educators and the private sector around shared goals. Above all, we can show up consistently, not only when it suits our brand calendars.”
Aluko stressed that sustainable progress in education requires long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors. She noted that the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition’s ₦100 million grand prize demonstrates a strong commitment to recognising and rewarding educators.
She further described the competition as a model of consistency and impact, noting that over 300 teachers have been recognised since its inception 12 years ago.
In her closing remarks, she paid tribute to teachers across the country.
“To every teacher in this country, what you do is not small. Your story deserves to be told, and Nigeria needs to know your name,” she said.
Union Bank said its participation in the competition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and reflects its broader commitment to promoting social impact and sustainable development in communities across Nigeria.
Established in 1917, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc remains one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, providing a wide range of banking services through more than 300 branches nationwide while driving innovation through its digital banking platforms.
