Nigerian Breweries PLC and Maltina (a brand of the aforementioned company) has called on Nigerian teachers to apply for the 2019 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers have been described as nation builders but the profession has not been well appreciated in developing countries, including Nigeria. Maltina, which has been giving back to the people through competitions such as Maltina Dance Show (used for enriching the lives of families) as well as sponsoring the national teams, is also the sponsor of this award. The company made this known at the unveiling of the award in Victoria Island, Lagos, to showcase and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.
The director of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Lami Amodu who was present at the event appreciates the gesture of Nigerian Breweries and Maltina. He described this as highly elevating as it will give teachers a reason to aspire to be the best. He also said the government would not hesitate to support it at any time. The company’s speaker at the event, Mrs. Shade Morgan, said the initiative was based on recognizing and celebrating teachers for their contributions and impact on the future and efforts at grooming pupils.
The award is said to be open to teachers in both public and private secondary schools from now till July 12, 2019. The award for the best teacher goes with a trophy, #1m annually for five years and a block of classrooms to be built at the school where he/she teaches. There are also cash prizes to be won by runners-up. The first runner-up will receive #1m and a trophy, while the second runner-up will have #750, 000 and a trophy. In addition, each state champion, including the winner, the first and the second runners-up will get #500,000.
Meanwhile, the 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year winner, Mr. Olasunkanmi Opeifa, has urged teachers to apply for the award. He testified that he getting the award has opened other doors for him. He also urged the government to review the curriculum and applauded the company for motivating teachers and improving the standard of education in the country.