IDEE Celebrates Teacher Excellence as Serah Yusuf Leads 2025 Awards

T The 9th Edition of the IDEE Teacher Prize 2025 concluded with resounding success, celebrating outstanding Nigerian educators and their pivotal role in national development.

Organised by the Initiative for Education & Development (IDEE), the event attracted participants from across the country, marking a historic milestone in the recognition of teacher excellence.

Serah Yusuf of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Abuja, emerged as the Overall National Winner, earning acclaim for her innovative teaching approaches and impactful contributions to education.

The ceremony kicked off with an inspiring address by Dr. Catherine Olaotan, Chairperson of IDEE, who encouraged stronger collaborations to enhance teacher welfare, professional development, and career growth.

Kabiru Abass, IDEE Programme Coordinator, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the 2025 IDEE Teacher Prize planning committee for their unwavering dedication in sustaining the programme relevance and national stature.

Distinguished speakers at the event included Dr. Sule Peace, Africa’s best teacher, and Mr. Francis Solanke, Nigeria’s best teacher, both of whom shared insights on excellence in teaching and educational leadership. Their presentations highlighted the importance of innovation, mentorship, and community engagement in transforming classrooms across Nigeria.

Commending teachers for their dedication, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, urged educators to continuously raise the bar.

She emphasized the Ogun State Government’s technical support, noting that teachers from the state are currently recognized among the best in Nigeria. Hon. Akeem Balogun, representing the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, praised IDEE’s initiatives and called for deeper collaboration between the programme, the state, and Ogun Waterside Local Government.

The Local Government Chairman was represented by Secretary Prince Olayinka Okuwoga, while Mr. Nutudeen Onaniyi, Executive Secretary of the Local Government Education Authority, encouraged teachers to embrace digital literacy and educational technology in classrooms.

Three outstanding teachers from Ogun Waterside were also honoured for their exemplary contributions. The highlight of the ceremony came when Oba Sunday Adekoya, the Liken of Iwopin, presented the winning trophy and award to Serah Yusuf. Dr. Adewale Kayode, chairperson of the planning committee, expressed gratitude to all attendees, particularly Wisdom College of Excellence (WICE), for hosting the event. He praised WICE for promoting teacher work-life balance through tourism initiatives, including the boat cruise and activities along the Iwopin Lagoon Front.

The 2025 edition adopted a hybrid model, combining physical and virtual participation to ensure inclusivity. Educators from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory underwent rigorous screening, including eligibility verification, independent expert evaluations, and extensive digital engagement. The process allowed thousands of stakeholders to participate in real time, enhancing the visibility and impact of the programme nationwide.

Serah Yusuf’s recognition drew widespread applause from the education community. IDEE highlighted her integration of innovative teaching methods with strong community involvement as a testament to the resilience and capability of Nigerian teachers.

A goodwill message from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), delivered by Dr. Ossom M. Ossom, Director of Teacher Professional Development, lauded teachers as “foremost nation-builders and torchbearers of knowledge,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration, professional growth, and equipping teachers with the tools and support needed to thrive in a rapidly changing educational environment.

As the event concluded, IDEE reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Teacher Prize, fostering policy engagement, and enhancing professional development opportunities for all finalists and award recipients.

Stakeholders called for sustained partnerships and institutional support to ensure that teacher recognition and capacity-building remain national priorities.

The 9th Edition of the IDEE Teacher Prize 2025 ended on a celebratory note, with educators like Serah Yusuf of WISE exemplifying excellence and inspiring confidence in the future of Nigeria’s education sector. IDEE also reiterated its commitment to contributing to the domestication and implementation of the new National Teachers Policy and Professional Career Development.