The Federal Government’s President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards, which recognises teachers, school administrators and schools in different categories, has named Dr Mary Adebayo of Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School (Senior), Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026.
Adebayo was presented with a brand new car as the star prize during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day held in Abuja where she earned the national award, reported The PUNCH.
Receiving the automobile on Teacher’s day, she expressed her thanks for the acknowledgement, adding that she had kept on teaching without realising that her efforts would be rewarded in such a manner.
“This was a work I started in a private school. “I kept doing the work, I didn’t know the Lord will reward me in this way,” she added.
She emerged the overall top teacher in the country after winning the top Public Senior Secondary School Teacher category.
The Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko Old Students Association, in a celebratory statement today, characterised her achievement as a pride to the school and her community.
The group said her accolade was in honour of her devotion to the teaching and the growth of education in Nigeria.
It said her rise to national fame from classrooms at the school had brought credit to the institution.
The statement read, “NUDGOSA is particularly excited that one of our own has attained the highest rank in the teaching profession in Nigeria.”
The award, it said, also serves to inspire current students, staff, alumni and the wider school community, adding that it illustrated how devotion and commitment to service may gain national recognition.
The National President of the association, Hon. Fasiu Bakenne, on behalf of the national executive and members of the association thanked Adebayo, the management and personnel of the school and the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission.
The association’s National Public Relations Officer, Sanni Damilola, signed the statement.
Lawmaker Nasir Gboyega Isiaka also complimented Adebayo, noting that her victory as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher was a source of pride for Afon, Imeko-Afon and the larger constituency.
In a congratulations statement headlined, “Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Nigeria’s Best Teacher,” Isiaka characterised Adebayo as an illustrious daughter of Afon, Imeko-Afon, and said her achievement was a reflection of the level of quality in local communities.
Education was still a big part of his service to the constituency, he said, adding that investing in education was key to increasing prospects for young people.
“Dr Adebayo’s feat therefore has deep resonance with the work we have continued to do in strengthening education and supporting those who dedicate their lives to it,” he said.
Isiaka said the award had brought dignity to Afon, Imeko-Afon and the entire constituency, and wished Adebayo continued success in her professional career and future aspirations.
It was initially stated that the prize winners were announced with Adebayo emerging as the overall best teacher.
The observance of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day was held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing the Status and Shaping Our Future”.
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