Kayode Adewale, an award-winning mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School, Ogun State, has achieved a remarkable milestone as the only Nigerian shortlisted for the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize (GTP) in 2025. The Global Teacher Prize, presented annually by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and GEMS Education, recognizes exceptional educators who have made outstanding contributions to the teaching profession.
From Childhood Inspiration to Transformational Teaching
Kayode Adewale’s passion for teaching began in his formative years when a televised program simplified complex mathematical concepts. This early inspiration laid the foundation for a teaching career dedicated to making education accessible and relatable, particularly for underserved communities.
Teaching in a semi-urban area where many students come from low-income farming families, Adewale has uniquely combined technology with culturally relevant pedagogy. He teaches mathematics using local languages such as Yoruba and Hausa to help his students grasp complex concepts. By integrating culturally tailored instructional videos and relatable examples, he has bridged the gap between abstract academic ideas and the everyday realities of his students.
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Impact Beyond the Classroom
Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, Adewale has trained over 30,000 teachers, equipping them with the skills to integrate technology into their classrooms. His innovative teaching strategies, which include educational apps, virtual study groups, and project-based learning, have significantly enhanced students’ academic performance and digital literacy.
Adewale’s efforts have extended to STEM education through his Ogun517GoToSpace program, where he has collaborated with global professionals, including NASA experts, to inspire interest in space science among students. He has also championed environmental sustainability through projects like tree planting and climate change simulations, empowering students to actively promote a greener future.
Perseverance: A Key to Success
Adewale’s journey to this global recognition was not without challenges. For three years, he applied for the Global Teacher Prize but did not make it past the top 100. Discouraged, he almost gave up applying in 2025 but submitted his application on the final day. This persistence paid off when he was shortlisted for the prestigious award.
He shared his experience: “This did not come by accident. I have been working on this dream for three years. I nearly lost hope at one point, but I pushed through, and now it’s a dream come true.”
Teaching in the Mother Tongue
Adewale’s innovative approach to teaching mathematics involves using the students’ mother tongue and familiar cultural references. Known as culturally relevant pedagogy, this method has proven highly effective in fostering engagement and understanding, particularly in underserved communities.
Recalling his experience, Adewale said: “The first time I taught in the local dialect, I noticed that previously passive students became active participants. They were more engaged and better understood the concepts being taught. This inspired me to adopt this approach fully.”
Following in the footsteps of educators like Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, Nigeria’s first professor of education, Adewale has been a vocal advocate for using Indigenous languages in teaching early childhood development.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kayode Adewale’s achievements include:
- Winning Ogun State’s Best Senior Secondary School Teacher in 2020.
- Securing 30 laptops for his school through a Co-Creation Hub competition in 2019.
- Earning the title of Ogun State Maltina Best Teacher of the Year in 2022.
- Being shortlisted for the 2024 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme.
These accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence in education and innovation.
A Vision for the Future
If awarded the $1 million Global Teacher Prize, Adewale plans to use the funds to expand his educational initiatives. His vision includes the following:
- Developing an app that provides culturally tailored, technology-assisted instruction for African students.
- Expanding his grassroots projects to reach underserved communities on the continent.
- Empowering more teachers through advanced training in technology integration.
As Adewale stated: “This prize would help me scale my technology-assisted instructional management to reach more African students. It’s about expanding the frontiers of excellence in teaching and learning.”
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Championing Education in Africa
Kayode Adewale’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of African educators. His innovative teaching practices, community impact, and unwavering dedication inspire not only Nigerian teachers but also educators worldwide.
As one of seven African finalists for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize, Adewale stands as a beacon of hope, proving that educators can shape the future of generations with passion and perseverance.