Ogun governor rewards global teacher prize finalist with N5m, house

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has celebrated Kayode Adewale, a mathematics teacher recently shortlisted among the top 50 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize.

In recognition of his remarkable achievement, the governor appointed Mr. Adewale as the state’s Education Ambassador and awarded him a cash prize of ₦5 million.

Additionally, the teacher will receive a bungalow in a location of his choice within Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun announced these rewards in a statement shared on his X handle, commending Adewale for his dedication and excellence in teaching.

He noted that the teacher’s global recognition serves as an inspiration to educators across Nigeria and reaffirms the state’s commitment to promoting quality education.

“To commemorate this achievement, we will provide him with a bungalow in any part of Ogun State of his choice. Additionally, we will support him with a cash prize of N5,000,000 to further inspire his outstanding work in education,” he said.

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“Together, we celebrate Kayode Adewale, a shining light and an inspiration to educators across Ogun State and beyond.”

Mr Abiodun described the mathematics teacher as a “visionary educator” who has made extraordinary contributions to transforming lives and communities through education.

He praised Mr Adewale’s dedication, describing his journey as a trajectory built on hard work, dedication, focus and a commitment to excellence.

“As a state that prides itself on being the education capital of Nigeria, we are immensely proud to celebrate one of our own, a visionary educator who has earned a place among the Top 50 teachers globally in the prestigious Global Teacher Prize,” the statement reads in part.

“From winning the Best Teacher Award in Ogun State in 2020 to this global recognition in 2025, he has exemplified what it means to serve selflessly and resourcefully. His humility and unwavering dedication to uplifting his community through education are truly commendable.”

Platinumpost reported that Mr Adewale, a mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School, was recognised for his innovative teaching methods, which include using local languages like Yoruba and Hausa to simplify mathematics concepts for students from low-income families.

The Global Teacher Prize, organised by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), celebrates exceptional teachers making transformative impacts in education and their communities.

The Prize, now in its 11th edition, offers a $1 million reward to the overall winner and aims to highlight the value of educators worldwide in shaping equitable and sustainable societies.