An Indian educator, Rouble Nagi, has been crowned winner of the 2026 Global Teacher Prize, clinching the $1 million award in recognition of her transformative work with underserved children.
She was announced as the winner at the World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday.
The Global Teacher Prize, organised by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, recognises exceptional teachers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Now in its 10th year, the prize attracted over 5,000 nominations from 139 countries.
Nagi emerged winner from a top 10 shortlist that included Nigeria’s Adeola Akinsulure, alongside educators from Italy, Spain, Australia, Poland, Argentina, the United States, and Colombia.
From Mumbai Slums to National Impact
Nagi began her journey 24 years ago with just 30 children in a Mumbai slum. Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has since established more than 800 open-air learning centres across India, reaching over one million children who previously had no access to structured schooling.
Her model transforms neglected community walls into vibrant educational murals, teaching literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. She has also recruited and trained over 600 volunteer and paid educators to support learning in underserved communities.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nagi described the recognition as both personal and national.
“When I was a child, it was my dream to see every child in school. Today, reaching as many children as possible is a very humbling experience,” she said.
She disclosed plans to channel the prize money into expanding infrastructure, strengthening teacher training, and launching a Skilling Institute to provide vocational and digital literacy programmes.
Nigeria’s Representation on Global Stage
Nigeria’s Akinsulure, a Biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos, was the only African educator among the top 10 finalists. She expressed gratitude for being recognised among the world’s best teachers.
Her inclusion highlights Nigeria’s growing presence in global education conversations and underscores the impact of innovative teaching within public secondary schools.
A Decade of Celebrating Teachers
The founder of the Global Teacher Prize, Sunny Varkey, described Nagi’s work as a powerful reminder that teachers remain central to social progress.
Previous winners of the prize include Peter Tabichi, Ranjitsinh Disale, Andria Zafirakou, and Keisha Thorpe, among others.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.