Olasukanmi Opeifa Named Among Top 10 Finalist for the 2020 Global Teacher Prize
In recognition for establishing an innovative teaching experience, Olasukanmi Opeifa, an English teacher at the Government Day Secondary School, Abuja has been shortlisted as top ten finalists for the 2020 Global Teacher Prize. He makes it to the top 10 position out of Top 50 which will be announced weekly in the space of 10 weeks, following the application of 12,000 teachers from over 140 countries.
The Global Teacher Prize is a $1million cash prize awarded to a teacher who has made significant contributions to the teaching profession. The award in its sixth year is organized by the Varkey Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Read Also: Babajide Sanwo-Olu Nominated for AfriSAFE 2020 Icon of the Year
Olasukanmi completed his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Lagos in 2008.
Olasukanmi possesses an unmatchable drive for the teaching profession. He constantly brainstorms ideas on possible strategies to make classroom teaching more effective. Olasukanmi has demonstrated high competence in teaching the English language, a profession he took up immediately after he graduated from the University. He worked as the only English teacher in a school of more than 200 students in Koma, Adamawa State. During his stay, he marked several outstanding contributions, especially the setting up of the school’s first library.
Fast forward to 2012, Olasukanmi moved to Government Day Secondary school in Karu, Abuja where he currently teaches the English Language. At Government Day, Olasukanmi focuses on teaching effective writing, reading, listening and speaking skills to the students.
In order to enable effective learning, Olasukanmi employs innovative solutions in teaching students, attracting other staff to inquire on the latest learning innovations. He uses the flipped classroom model to teach essay writing, Google/Microsoft forms for assessments, online videos and e-past questions to further initiate wider learning. He motivates students by using edutainment/fun-based learning for teaching the concepts of English Language I.e. linking essay writing to popular dance steps as well as demonstrating phonology and grammar with raps and hip-hop songs.
To further enable learning inclusion, Olasukanmi introduced free weekend tutorials to cover syllables with students who were unable to meet up. This initiative greatly improved examination results as many students were able to meet the standard for admission to the university of choice.
In addition to his innovative teaching solutions, Olasukanmi published a book on oral English pedagogy in 2014 and has received numerous invitations to speak at teachers-led seminars. He also won the 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award as the best teacher in Nigeria. His win, however, enabled the construction of six classrooms at the school, coupled with a well-equipped library, enabling the school to admit 300 students annually.
In applauding Olasukanmi, the Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, Stefania Giannini said,
”Congratulations to Olasukanmi Opeifa for being selected as a top ten finalist from such a huge number of talented and dedicated teachers. I hope his story will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also highlight the incredible work teachers do all over Nigeria and throughout the world every day.”