NEWS DIGEST- Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya, two Nigerian teachers, have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. The Global Teacher Prize, established eight years ago, seeks to recognize exceptional teachers who have made remarkable contributions to the field and shed light on the vital role teachers play in society.
This year, the prize received over 7,000 nominations and applications from 130 countries around the world. Among the top 50 finalists, Peace and Stephanie stood out for their passion, innovation, and commitment to education.
Peace, an Information Communication Technology teacher at Akoka Junior High School, became a teacher driven by her belief that ignorance is the greatest barrier to progress. She goes above and beyond in the classroom, employing unique instructional methods, creativity, sacrifice, and selfless service to help her students achieve their educational goals.
Outside of school, Peace has conducted adult and literacy education programs to address the needs of individuals who have missed out on formal schooling. Her dedication has earned her recognition as the “Best Teacher” or “Most Resourceful Teacher” under ten different principals across various schools in Nigeria. With the prize funds, Peace plans to establish a pioneering Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Africa and a floating school to provide education in flood-prone areas. She also aims to create a vocational institute that nurtures students’ talents in acting, music, dance, and fashion design.
READ ALSO: Special Report: How Teacher Shortage, Neglects Crippled Schools In Niger
Read Also:
Stephanie Akinwoya, a Physics teacher at Iju Senior Grammar School, drew inspiration from her mother, who epitomized dedication as a chemistry teacher. During her time teaching in rural schools as an undergraduate, Stephanie noticed the lack of interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among students, particularly girls. To address this gap, she founded the Girls-Pro-STEM initiative, aimed at generating enthusiasm for STEM among girls in public secondary schools. Through partnerships with international organizations, Stephanie has provided training, support, and mentorship to over 200 girls, many of whom have gone on to represent their schools in national and international competitions.
Both Peace and Stephanie’s achievements highlight the significant impact teachers can have on shaping the future. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares, congratulated the Nigerian nominees and the other finalists, emphasizing the crucial role teachers play in addressing global challenges, especially in the fields of science and technology. He stressed the need to redefine teachers’ roles as coaches, mentors, and facilitators who empower students to reach their full potential. Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, echoed these sentiments, praising Peace and Stephanie for their invaluable contributions to education.
The Global Teacher Prize, with its $1 million reward, is the largest of its kind and is open to teachers working with children between the ages of five and eighteen in compulsory schooling. Teachers who work with children aged four and above in early years government-recognized curricula, as well as part-time and online teachers, are also eligible.
Applicants are assessed based on their teaching practices, innovative approaches to local challenges, measurable learning outcomes, community impact, promotion of global citizenship, efforts to improve the teaching profession, and recognition from external bodies.
On his part, Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO, Stefania Giannini, also echoed teachers’ sacrifices to groom young minds.
