Nigerian Teacher Kayode Adewale Shortlisted For €0.94 Million Global Teacher Prize
Kayode Adewale, an innovative Nigerian educator from Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, has been shortlisted for the prestigious €0.94 million Global Teacher Prize (GTP). The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting his groundbreaking approach to teaching mathematics by integrating local languages and technology.
The Global Teacher Prize, presented annually by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and GEMS Education, celebrates educators who make exceptional contributions to their profession. Adewale’s creative methods have not only revolutionized mathematics education but also inspired thousands of students and educators.
Adewale is known for using culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching mathematics in the Ijebu dialect to connect with students in underserved communities. His approach has made complex mathematical concepts more relatable and engaging.
“As an Ijebu man teaching in Ijebu Land, I thought, ‘Why not use the language the students are familiar with?’” Adewale explained. “The first day I used the dialect in class, passive students became interested. It gave me the insight that teaching in local languages could be transformative.”
Beyond his innovative classroom methods, Adewale’s career achievements include:
– Training Over 30,000 Teachers: Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, he has equipped educators with tools to integrate technology into teaching.
– Inspiring Interest in STEM Careers: His Ogun517GoToSpace programme has introduced students to space science, working alongside global experts, including NASA professionals.
– Promoting Sustainability: Adewale has championed tree-planting initiatives and climate change simulations to educate students on environmental conservation.
Adewale’s journey to the GTP shortlist has been one of resilience. After failing to make the top 100 in two previous attempts, he almost abandoned his dream. However, his persistence paid off.
“This is something I’ve worked on for three years,” he said. “I submitted my application on the last day, and when I was shortlisted for the interview, it felt like a dream come true.”
He credited divine guidance and preparation for his success in the rigorous selection process.
If he wins the €0.94 million prize, Adewale plans to scale his technology-assisted instructional model into a mobile app for students across Africa. He also aims to expand access to quality education in underserved communities.
“This prize will enable me to execute numerous projects, further expanding excellence in teaching and learning in Nigeria and Africa,” Adewale said.
Adewale’s recognition aligns him with the legacy of trailblazers like the late Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, a proponent of mother-tongue education. His accolades include Ogun State’s Best Senior Secondary School Teacher (2020), Maltina Best Teacher of the Year (2022), and a nomination for the 2024 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme.
As one of seven African finalists for the GTP, Adewale continues to inspire a new generation of educators and students, showcasing the power of education to transform lives and communities.
