West African Teachers Make Top 50 Shortlist for $1 Million Global Teacher Prize

Three exceptional educators from West Africa have made the top 50 shortlist for the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, 2025 Edutimes Africa Learnt.

The recognition highlights their dedication and groundbreaking contributions to the field of education, both in their local communities and beyond.

Among the finalists are Faith Aku Dzakpasu and Stella Gyimaah Larbi from Ghana, and Kayode Adewale from Nigeria, whose groundbreaking work in education is making waves both locally and internationally.

The Global Teacher Prize, which offers a $1 million award, aims to honor teachers who have made extraordinary impacts on their students, communities, and society as a whole.

Stella Gyimaah Larbi: Pioneering Early Childhood Education in Ghana

Stella Gyimaah Larbi, another Ghanaian teacher, has also earned a spot on the prestigious list. Known for her work in early childhood education, Larbi has dedicated her career to improving literacy and numeracy among young children in underserved communities. She utilizes creative approaches, such as interactive learning and play-based activities, to instill a love for learning in her students.

Larbi’s work is particularly notable for her commitment to addressing the challenges of inadequate infrastructure in rural schools. Her initiatives aim to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, particularly for children in Ghana’s most marginalized areas.

“I am humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Larbi. “This is not just my success, but the success of the children and communities I work with every day. Together, we can make education accessible to all.”

Celebrating Ghana’s Faith Aku Dzakpasu

Faith Aku Dzakpasu, a teacher at a secondary school in Accra, is celebrated for her innovative teaching methods that incorporate local culture and technology to make learning more engaging for her students. Dzakpasu’s approach focuses on empowering girls through education, addressing challenges such as gender inequality, and fostering leadership skills.

Her work in the classroom has not only impacted the academic success of her students but has also driven social change by challenging traditional norms that hinder girls’ access to quality education. Her success stories have been lauded as a beacon of hope for girls in rural areas seeking to break through societal barriers.

“I am honored and humbled to be part of the Global Teacher Prize’s top 50,” said Dzakpasu. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every teacher in Ghana striving to make a difference in the lives of young learners.”

Nigeria’s Kayode Adewale: Empowering the Future

Kayode Adewale, a teacher in Ogun state, Nigeria, has also earned a spot on the prestigious list, thanks to his innovative teaching techniques and commitment to transforming education in one of the largest and most diverse educational landscapes in Africa. Adewale, who specializes in integrating technology and critical thinking in his lessons, focuses on developing students’ problem-solving abilities, encouraging them to think outside the box and become proactive leaders in their communities.

His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, where he has led several initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education for underprivileged students. Adewale’s emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among the world’s top educators,” Adewale said. “But this is not just my achievement—it reflects the dedication of countless teachers in Nigeria who are working tirelessly to improve education and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

A Major Milestone for Africa

The inclusion of Dzakpasu and Adewale in the Global Teacher Prize’s top 50 shortlist is seen as a significant milestone for African education. Their recognition shines a spotlight on the continent’s vast educational potential and the inspiring work being done to overcome challenges such as limited resources, inequality, and access to quality education.

Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize, congratulated the shortlisted teachers. “These educators are not only shaping the futures of their students but are also creating positive change within their communities and their countries,” Varkey said.

The top 50 finalists will be narrowed down to the top 10 in the coming weeks, with the winner to be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2025.