A Nigerian teacher, Adeola Akinsulure has been named a Top 10 finalist for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize, becoming the only African educator to reach this stage of the global competition.
The recognition places the Nigerian finalist among the world’s most impactful teachers and highlights innovative, teacher-led solutions emerging from public school classrooms despite limited resources.
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Reacting to the announcement on her Facebook page, Akinsulure described the honour as one that goes beyond personal achievement, noting that it represents public school teachers, grassroots innovators, girls choosing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and African classrooms developing solutions with global relevance.
From teaching biology in a Nigerian classroom to gaining global recognition, the finalist said the achievement demonstrates that meaningful impact does not depend on perfect conditions, but on purpose, creativity and consistency.
Education stakeholders say the milestone challenges long-held stereotypes about African education systems and reinforces the continent’s growing contribution to global knowledge and innovation.
The Global Teacher Prize, often described as the “Nobel Prize for Teaching,” celebrates exceptional educators who transform lives and communities through their educational efforts.
The Nigerian finalist’s achievement is being widely hailed as a strong signal that Africa is not lagging behind but actively building solutions that can shape the future of global education.
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.
