The 9th Edition of the IDEE Teacher Prize 2025 concluded successfully, spotlighting outstanding Nigerian educators and reaffirming the critical role of teachers in national development.
Organised by the Initiative for Education & Development (IDEE), the event reached a historic milestone, drawing unprecedented participation from across the country. The celebration was crowned by the emergence of Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Abuja, as the Overall National Winner, earning widespread recognition for her innovative teaching methods and impactful contributions to education.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Catherine Olaotan, Chairperson of IDEE, who encouraged participants to forge stronger partnerships that would support teacher welfare, professional capacity building, and career development.
Kabiru Abass, IDEE Programme Coordinator, also welcomed attendees and appreciated the 2025 IDEE Teacher Prize planning committee for their efforts in maintaining the programme relevance and national stature.
Among the distinguished speakers were Dr. Sule Peace, Africa’s best teacher, and Mr. Francis Solanke, Nigeria’s best teacher, who shared insights on excellence in education and teacher leadership.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, commended teachers for their dedication and urged them to do more.
She emphasized the Ogun State Government’s technical support to teachers, noting that Ogun State educators are currently recognized as among the best in Nigeria.
Hon. Akeem Balogun, representing the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, praised IDEE’s efforts and called for stronger collaboration with the state and Ogun Waterside Local Government.
The Local Government Chairman was represented by Secretary Prince Olayinka Okuwoga, while the Executive Secretary of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Nutudeen Onaniyi, encouraged teachers in Ogun Waterside to advance digital literacy and incorporate educational technology into their classrooms.
Three exceptional teachers from Ogun Waterside were also recognized during the event for their exemplary dedication and service. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the winning trophy and award by the Liken of Iwopin, Oba Sunday Adekoya, to Serah Yusuf.
The planning committee chairperson, Dr. Adewale Kayode, expressed gratitude to all attendees and specifically to Wisdom College of Excellence (WICE) for hosting the event and organising a memorable boat cruise and tourism activities for the national teachers who participated. He commended Wisdom College of Excellence ( WICE) Iwopin for hosting the event and promoting work-life balance for teachers through the tourism potential of Iwopin Lagoon Front
The 2025 edition adopted a hybrid model that combined physical attendance with virtual participation to ensure inclusivity. Educators from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory applied, with a rigorous screening process including eligibility checks, independent evaluations by a panel of experts, and extensive digital engagement that allowed thousands of stakeholders to participate in real time. The event generated unprecedented national visibility, showcasing IDEE’s commitment to promoting teacher excellence.
The recognition of Serah Yusuf drew widespread applause from the education community.
IDEE highlighted her work integrating innovative teaching methods with strong community engagement as evidence of the capacity of Nigerian teachers to excel despite systemic challenges. A goodwill message from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), delivered by Dr. Ossom M. Ossom, Director of Teacher Professional Development, praised Nigerian teachers as “foremost nation-builders and torchbearers of knowledge.”
Dr. Ossom emphasized collaborative teaching, continuous professional growth, and equipping teachers with the necessary tools and support systems to thrive in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
As the event concluded, IDEE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Teacher Prize, promoting policy engagement, and enhancing professional development opportunities for finalists and award recipients.
Stakeholders called for sustained partnerships and deeper institutional support to ensure teacher recognition and capacity-building remain national priorities.
The 9th Edition of the IDEE Teacher Prize 2025 ended on a note of celebration and renewed purpose, with educators like Serah Yusuf of WISE exemplifying excellence and inspiring confidence in the future of Nigeria’s education sector.
IDEE reiterated commitment to contributing to the domestication and implementation of the new National Teachers Policy and Professional Career Development.
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.