Nigerian teachers are being encouraged to apply for the ninth edition of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, an initiative organized in collaboration with UNESCO and GEMS Education.
With a prize of $1 million, the award recognizes educators who have made an extraordinary impact on their students and communities, celebrating their dedication and innovation.
Sister Zeph, winner of the previous Global Teacher Prize, highlighted the vital role of teachers in shaping futures and urged Nigerian educators to take part. “Throughout Nigeria, inspiring teachers have dedicated their lives to empowering their students and helping them reach their full potential. This is a monumental task, and it is why teachers will always matter,” she said.
Sister Zeph, who founded a school for underprivileged children at just 13, received the prize at a ceremony held at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters. She encouraged students and parents to nominate outstanding educators, adding, “Their stories deserve to be told, and the world should know about all their achievements.”
Nigeria has consistently excelled in the Global Teacher Prize. In 2023, Peace Sule, an ICT teacher at Akoka Junior High School in Lagos, and Stephanie Akinwoya, a physics teacher at Iju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, were among the top 50 shortlisted educators worldwide. Previous Nigerian finalists include Olasunkanmi Opeifa, who reached the top 10 in 2020, and Adeola Adefemi, recognized in 2021 for her exceptional contributions to English education.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “The Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time. I encourage all inspiring teachers in Nigeria to step forward and apply for this year’s prize,” he said.
The competition is open to teachers working with children aged five to 18 or those teaching early years in government-recognized curricula. Part-time teachers and online educators are also eligible. Applicants will be evaluated based on their teaching practices, ability to innovate, community impact, and efforts to achieve measurable learning outcomes.
Teachers can apply or be nominated through the Global Teacher Prize website by December 9, 2024. The selection process will include a Top 50 shortlist and Top 10 finalists, with the winner announced in 2025 by the Global Teacher Prize Academy.
Lisa Crausby, Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, commended the resilience and dedication of educators worldwide. “Every day, they inspire, uplift, and nurture the minds of future generations. We are deeply honored to partner with the Global Teacher Prize to recognize their passion and transformative influence,” she said.
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Recognizing and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies.”
For more details, teachers and nominators are encouraged to visit the Global Teacher Prize website or follow @TeacherPrize on social media to join the conversation.
