Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Abuja, has been crowned the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year, officially earning her the title of Best Teacher in Nigeria. The award celebrates her exceptional dedication to empowering young learners and her remarkable contributions to educational innovation.
An English Language teacher with a passion for shaping confident, globally competitive students, Yusuf has distinguished herself through pioneering initiatives such as VOISIN and Confident Girls Healthy Choices. These programmes strengthen communication skills, leadership abilities, and emotional well-being among students—particularly young girls—while nurturing a culture of confidence and healthy self-expression.
Her work has not only transformed classrooms at WISE but also propelled the school into global prominence, helping it secure a spot among the Top 10 World’s Best Schools in 2024. The recognition underscores WISE’s reputation as a hub for creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable development principles.
Yusuf’s triumph echoes a message often delivered by Kabiru Abass, Technical Monitor at WISE, who continually challenges teachers to seize the many opportunities embedded in the school’s development culture. His familiar refrain resonates strongly today:
“How many years will you work in WISE to earn ten million naira or one million dollars? But there are many activities we do here that can earn you such. Please participate in the SDGs and skill-building activities for the learners.”
His words capture WISE’s ethos—an environment where educators are encouraged to innovate, grow professionally, and engage in global best practices.
Beyond her work within the school, Serah Yusuf has built an impressive portfolio of national achievements. She is a celebrated winner of the Phenomenon Edupreneur Challenge 2025 and the IDEE National Teachers Prize 2025, recognitions that highlight her leadership in STEM advocacy, community empowerment, and advancing gender equity in education.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year Award—supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and other key education-sector partners—remains one of the nation’s most prestigious honours for educators. It spotlights teachers who exemplify creativity, empathy, innovation, and a commitment to lasting impact. Yusuf’s work embodies these ideals.
Her victory not only positions her as a national beacon of excellence but also reinforces the transformative power of teachers who extend their influence beyond standard classroom practice, helping mold the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
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.
I celebrate the maltina teacher of the year 2025. It proves that it is not about your earnings or how popular your employer is but your commitment and dedication to your passion in your chosen career. Congratulations again to Sarah Yusuf and WISE!
I completely agree. If only more people could realise this. Thank you very much for reaching out to us. All the best.