Susan Abayomi
Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving educational standards and expanding learning opportunities for students, teachers and young people through its continued sponsorship of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award.
The grand finale of the 12th edition of the competition was held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together education stakeholders to celebrate outstanding contributions to the teaching profession.
The Bank, which is partnering with the initiative for the third consecutive year, joined Nigerian Breweries Plc, the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and other stakeholders at the event, where the overall winner was announced.
Ms Busayo Victoria Adeyemo of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, emerged as the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year. She was selected from 10 finalists drawn from more than 2,000 entries submitted nationwide.
As the overall winner, Adeyemo received a ₦10 million cash prize, a new Honda SUV, an international capacity development programme and a ₦30 million infrastructure project for her school.
Speaking on behalf of Union Bank, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, congratulated the finalists and state champions, describing the competition as one of the private sector’s most consistent initiatives in recognising and promoting excellence in Nigeria’s teaching profession.
She noted that more than 300 teachers had been recognised through the initiative, adding that the Bank’s partnership reflects its commitment to education through Edu360, its flagship education programme under the UnionCares platform.
According to her, teachers remain central to educational development because the success of other investments in the sector depends largely on the quality of classroom instruction.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Thibaut Boidin, highlighted the lasting impact of teachers on society, noting that their efforts in the classroom often produce results that benefit generations.
In a related development, Union Bank earlier in October participated in the commissioning of a Digital Learning Centre at Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Sauka, Lugbe, Abuja.
The facility was established 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 support from Union Bank through its Edu360 initiative.
Equipped with computers, internet connectivity and computer-based testing facilities, the centre is designed to strengthen students’ digital skills, support their preparation for higher education and improve their readiness for examinations such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
The commissioning ceremony attracted representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Teachers and members of the school community.
Union Bank’s delegation was led by its Abuja 2 Area Business Executive, Mr Francis Anaemene, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Bank’s support for the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative.
He described the achievements of Serah Yusuf as evidence of her school’s commitment to excellence, adding that the new digital learning facility was a fitting recognition of her contribution to education.
Union Bank’s education intervention is driven by Edu360, established in 2018 to improve access to education, enhance learning quality and optimise educational outcomes through strategic partnerships across different sectors.
The Bank’s involvement also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Through these initiatives, Union Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to social impact, sustainable development and educational advancement in the communities it serves.
About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Established in 1917, Union Bank of Nigeria is a financial services provider with a nationwide presence and a focus on digital innovation. Operating under its ‘Simpler, Smarter Banking’ philosophy, the Bank provides financial solutions to individuals, businesses and public sector organisations.
Its services include savings and current accounts, funds transfers, loans, trade finance, foreign currency services and electronic banking solutions. The Bank also maintains a network of more than 300 branches across Nigeria.
For more information, visit Union Bank’s official website.
