The nationwide initiative seeks to identify, recognise and reward exceptional secondary school teachers whose dedication and innovation continue to shape the future of education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Uaboi Agbebaku, secretary of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, described the competition as an important platform for celebrating teachers who are making a lasting impact on students and communities across the country.

Agbebaku also disclosed that several organisations have expressed interest in partnering with the trust fund to support this year’s edition. He said the fund is opening partnership opportunities to reputable organisations that share its commitment to advancing quality education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Uzodinma Odenigbo, public relations officer of the trust fund, announced that the overall winner of the 2026 competition will receive a cash prize of N10 million, a brand-new Honda HR-V, a year’s supply of Maltina, and an overseas capacity development training opportunity.

In addition, the winner’s school will benefit from an infrastructure project worth N30 million.

According to Odenigbo, the first runner-up will receive N5 million and a trophy, while the second runner-up will receive N3 million and a trophy. State champions across the federation will also receive recognition plaques and N1 million each.

He reaffirmed Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to supporting education through initiatives that improve teaching and learning outcomes.

“The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition remains one of our flagship interventions in the education sector. Through this initiative, we continue to celebrate teachers who go beyond the classroom to inspire excellence, nurture future leaders, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Odenigbo expressed appreciation to partners supporting the initiative, including Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc and Air Peace.

Azeez Saheed, keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of young Nigerians and called for greater recognition of their contributions.

During a panel session on educational support and learning outcomes, Adaobi Ekwuno, Lagos state coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), urged governments at all levels to invest more in school infrastructure and facilities.

Gbenga Ayetoba, secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos chapter, said the teaching profession has suffered years of neglect and called for a change in public attitudes toward education.

Olushola Masheyi, president of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Lagos state chapter, commended Nigerian Breweries for sustaining the initiative. He noted that the profession is struggling to attract top talent, which he said has affected educational standards.

Masheyi added that addressing the challenges facing teachers requires collaboration among government, private organisations and other stakeholders.

Representatives of partner organisations also commended the trust fund for its continued commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in teaching.

Established in 2015 and funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition is one of the company’s flagship educational interventions aimed at supporting Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

Eligible teachers interested in participating can visit the dedicated competition website, www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com, to complete the online application form. Applicants may also download the form, complete it, scan it, and email it to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com.

The post Maltina teacher of the year 2026 opens for entries, winner to receive N10m first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In an internal memo issued on Tuesday and signed by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, director of school services, the board said the approval for early closure was granted by the secretary for education.

“All academic activities are expected to end accordingly, and students should be properly dismissed in an orderly and safe manner,” the memo reads.

Schools have been directed to notify students, parents and staff immediately, adjust all scheduled activities, and ensure proper communication of the directive.

The board added that schools are expected to resume on the next official academic day unless new instructions are issued.

The memo urged all principals and heads of schools to treat the directive as “important and urgent.”

The post JUST IN: FCTA orders early closure of public secondary schools over security concerns first appeared on The Times of Abuja.