Union Bank Celebrates Teachers
OpenLife News reports that Union Bank of Nigeria has again demonstrated its commitment to improving educational outcomes through its sponsorship of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award Grand Finale, held on Friday, 30 October 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ms. Busayo Victoria Adeyemo of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, was named Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026 from ten finalists selected out of more than 2,000 entries nationwide, winning ₦10 million, a Honda SUV, international training and a ₦30 million school project
It was a double celebration for teachers — and for the future of Nigerian education.
With the award, Union Bank of Nigeria has once again shown why it is one of the biggest supporters of education in the country, celebrating outstanding teachers at the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award Grand Finale in Lagos, and commissioning a brand-new Digital Learning Centre in Abuja, translating to two events in two cities with one message that teachers matter.
Lagos: A New Teacher Of The Year Emerges
The grand finale held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition (MTOTY).
This is now Union Bank’s third consecutive year as a partner of the competition, alongside organisers Nigerian Breweries Plc and the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
From more than 2,000 entries nationwide, 10 finalists emerged. And the winner is…Ms. Busayo Victoria Adeyemo of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026
Her reward is life-changing, a ₦10 million cash, a brand-new Honda SUV an international capacity development programme and ₦30 million infrastructure project for her school.
Speaking on behalf of Union Bank at the finale, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, congratulated the finalists and state champions.
She described the competition as one of the most consistent private sector commitments to the teaching profession in Nigeria, with more than 300 teachers recognised to date.
She said the partnership sits at the heart of Edu360, the Bank’s flagship education initiative under the UnionCares platform, which works across the full education value chain, stressing that “Teachers remain at the centre of that work, because every other investment in education depends on the person who stands in front of the class each morning.”
The Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Thibaut Boidin, said teachers plant seeds in the classroom that take years to bear fruit.
Abuja: Digital Learning Centre For WISE School
Earlier in October, Union Bank was also in Abuja for another big moment.At Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Sauka, Lugbe, Abuja, a new Digital Learning Centre was commissioned.
The centre was developed by the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund in honour of the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year, Ms. Serah Yusuf, who teaches at the school, with the support of Union Bank through Edu360.
What does it have?
Computers
Internet connectivity
Facilities for computer-based testing
The goal is simple: help learners build the digital skills required for higher education and prepare for computer-based examinations like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination.
The commissioning was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the school community.
Union Bank’s delegation was led by the Abuja 2 Area Business Executive, Mr. Francis Anaemene, who said:“Union Bank is delighted to witness today’s fruition of our support for the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative for the third year running. The achievement of Ms Serah Yusuf, the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025 national winner, is a testament to her school’s culture of excellence, and today’s commissioning is a fitting celebration of it.”
Why Union Bank Is Doing This
Union Bank’s support for education is anchored on Edu360, established in 2018 to strengthen education in three areas:
Improving access
Enhancing quality
Optimising learning outcomes through partnerships
The Bank’s participation aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education and reflects its broader commitment to social impact and sustainable development in the communities it serves.
From celebrating a teacher in Lagos to building a digital future for students in Abuja, Union Bank is proving that investing in teachers is investing in Nigeria’s future.
More On Union Bank & Maltina Teacher
Q: Who won Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026?
A: Ms. Busayo Victoria Adeyemo of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, won Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026, beating 10 finalists selected from more than 2,000 entries nationwide.
Q: What did the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026 winner receive?
A: Busayo Adeyemo received ₦10 million, a new Honda SUV, an international capacity development programme, and a ₦30 million infrastructure project for her school.
Q: Where is the new Digital Learning Centre commissioned by Union Bank?
A: The Digital Learning Centre is at Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Sauka, Lugbe, Abuja. It provides computers, internet connectivity and facilities for computer-based testing, including JAMB preparation.
Q: Who was the Digital Learning Centre built in honour of?
A: The centre was built in honour of Ms. Serah Yusuf, the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025 national winner, who teaches at WISE School.
Q: What is Edu360 by Union Bank?
A: Edu360 is Union Bank’s flagship education initiative under the UnionCares platform, established in 2018 to improve access, enhance quality, and optimise learning outcomes through partnerships. It aligns with UN SDG 4 on quality education.
Q: When was the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2026 finale held?
A: The Grand Finale was held on Friday, 30 October 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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