Nigerian Breweries Plc has officially announced the commencement of entries for the 2026 edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year (MToY) competition, a prestigious initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding teachers across Nigeria.
The annual award celebrates exceptional educators in both public and private secondary schools who have demonstrated excellence, dedication, and a strong commitment to shaping the future of Nigerian students.
This year’s edition comes with an enhanced reward package. For the first time in the history of the competition, the overall winner will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V vehicle in addition to the traditional ₦10 million cash prize. The first runner-up will receive ₦5 million, while the second runner-up will take home ₦3 million. State champions across the country will also receive ₦1 million each.
The 2025 edition was won by Yusuf Serah, a teacher at Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja, whose achievement highlighted the impact of quality teaching and innovation in education.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, described the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative as one of the company’s most impactful contributions to Nigeria’s education sector. He noted that the programme, which has been running for over a decade, is funded through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and remains completely free for eligible teachers.
In addition to the cash prize and vehicle, the overall winner will receive a plaque, a certificate of recognition, and an all-expenses-paid professional development training programme. Furthermore, the winner’s school will benefit from a ₦30 million educational project aimed at improving teaching and learning facilities.
The organisers disclosed that the winners of the 2026 competition will be announced during a grand finale scheduled for October 30.
During the event, Odenigbo also expressed concern over the growing cases of school abductions in parts of the country and offered prayers for the safe return of affected students and school personnel.
Also speaking, the Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Ologun, explained that applicants must be certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and must not be older than 55 years. He revealed that since the inception of the programme, more than 300 state champions and 11 national winners have been recognised for their contributions to education.
Eligible teachers are encouraged to submit their entries either physically or through the official competition portal. The application window opened on June 5 and will close on August 7.
Education stakeholders, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), have continued to support the initiative, emphasizing that investment in teachers is essential for national development and economic growth.
Over the years, the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition has honoured several outstanding educators, including Rose Nkemdilim Obi, Imoh Essien, Felix Ariguzo, Olasunkanmi Opeifa, Ezem Collins, Oluwabunmi Anani, Abanika Taiye, Alaku Ayiwulu, Adeola Adefemi, Ifecchukwu Esomnofu, and Yusuf Serah.
As entries open for the 2026 edition, the programme continues to shine a spotlight on teachers whose dedication and hard work are helping to transform education in Nigeria.
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