Education
Teachers of the Year Awards
Recognising dedication and excellence in public education
inaugural awards
regular award categories
LGAs reached since 2022
Teachers shape children’s learning, confidence and aspirations. Through its annual Teachers of the Year Awards, GIPSED celebrates outstanding teachers and school leaders and recognises their service to grassroots communities.
How the programme began
The awards were established in 2021 in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Odo-Otin LGA branch, as part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations. In 2022, the initiative expanded to Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe, working with local chapters of NUT, ANCOPSS and AOPHSON. By 2024 it had reached its fourth annual edition.
The initiative has personal significance for Dr Michael Olugbile. As the son of a teacher, Chief Evangelist Racheal O. Olugbile, he grew up appreciating educators’ contribution to children’s futures.
Five categories of recognition
The regular categories are Principal of the Year; Headteacher of the Year; Teacher of the Year—Secondary School; Teacher of the Year—Primary School; and the NUT Meritorious Leadership Award for a deserving member of the union’s executive.
Award presentations have included certificates, trophies and cash gifts. Some editions have also included special recognition for service to education.
Recognition by fellow educators
Recipients are selected through nominations and voting by fellow educators. GIPSED works with NUT and the associations representing secondary principals and primary headteachers to organise the programme.
The academic committee includes Mrs Bunmi Adewuyi, Mr Adesoye Adesayo and Comrade Zaccheaus Abegunde, working with GIPSED Project Manager Mr Olaniyan Oluwaseun. This collaboration gives members of the profession a direct role in recognising deserving colleagues.
A partnership with teachers
Teachers and school leaders also help GIPSED deliver scholarships, examination sponsorship and other education support. The awards recognise both their work in school and their wider contribution to community development.
The annual galleries document presentations and celebrations. The 2022 account records 19 people recognised, including special awards; this is an edition-specific count, not a total for the entire programme.
Annual award recipients
| Edition | Recipients recorded |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 19, including special awards |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 15 |
From our communities
The programme in pictures
