Kayode Adewale, an innovative Mathematics educator from Ogun State, has made it to the top 50 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. His achievement brings recognition not only to his hard work but also to his dedication to transforming the educational landscape of Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with News Express, Adewale recounts his journey from humble beginnings in Ijebu to the global stage, where he now stands among the best educators in the world. The Global Teacher Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for teaching,” offers a $1 million reward to an educator who has made a significant impact in the lives of their students and the broader community.
“I’m just a teacher, but this recognition proves that a dedicated educator can make a real difference,” Adewale shares. “It’s a dream come true, and I thank God for bringing me this far.”
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Persistence
Adewale’s story is one of perseverance and passion for education. Born in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, he attended primary school at Methodist Primary School, and later, Abobi Secondary School, where he first discovered his love for Mathematics. This early passion set the tone for his future career as an educator.
“My love for Mathematics started with a TV program I watched at my uncle’s house. The teacher on screen made the subject look so fascinating,” Adewale recalls, adding that he had always wanted to teach and inspire the younger generation just as his teacher had inspired him during his own school days.
After earning his National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Mathematics and Economics from Tai Solarin College of Education, Adewale launched his teaching career in 2006, first in Iwopin Pulp and Paper Primary School, before moving to secondary schools in Ogun State. Over the years, his commitment to improving educational standards led to numerous accolades, including being named Ogun State’s best teacher in 2020 and third-best teacher in Nigeria in 2023.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Adewale’s drive to innovate in education didn’t stop with personal accolades. In 2019, he launched the Space Exploration Club at Imaka/Imagbon Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, in collaboration with the Limitless Space Institute in Houston, Texas. The club has since inspired students to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“I believe in empowering students to think beyond the traditional classroom. I wanted them to engage with real-world challenges and feel connected to the world of science and exploration,” Adewale explains.
His efforts caught the attention of local and international organizations. In 2022, he won the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award in Ogun State, and in 2023, he participated in the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme in the United States, an experience that further fueled his passion for innovative teaching.
The $1 Million Prize: A Dream Realized
The Global Teacher Prize nomination marks a significant milestone in Adewale’s journey. Despite years of effort and unsuccessful attempts in previous editions, Adewale’s persistence paid off in 2024, when he was finally shortlisted as one of the top 50 finalists.
“I almost gave up. But on the last day, I submitted my application, and the rest is history,” he reflects. “It wasn’t by my power, but by God’s grace and the support of those who believe in what I do.”
Adewale was the sole finalist representing Nigeria, alongside a few other teachers from West Africa. For him, the $1 million prize is not just about personal enrichment but about furthering his mission to transform education across Nigeria and Africa. His plan for the prize money includes building innovation hubs, expanding technology-assisted learning, and offering teacher training programs.
“I want to ensure that underserved communities in Africa have access to the kind of transformative educational tools that will equip students for the future,” he states. “The prize will help me scale up the technology solutions I’ve been working on, like my instructional management app, and make a lasting impact on teaching in Nigeria.”
A Teacher’s Vision for Change
One of Adewale’s core beliefs is the power of culturally relevant pedagogy. He uses the Ijebu dialect in his Mathematics lessons, believing that teaching in a language students are familiar with makes difficult concepts more accessible.
“When I began using Ijebu to explain mathematical concepts, I noticed that students who were previously disengaged started showing more interest. It’s not just about the subject; it’s about connecting with the students on a deeper level,” he says.
This approach has proven successful, as Adewale’s students have excelled academically, and his teaching methods have inspired fellow educators to adopt similar practices in their own classrooms.
Confronting Challenges and Distractions
However, Adewale is quick to acknowledge the challenges faced by students in the modern age. He identifies social media and digital distractions as major hurdles in the learning process, especially for younger students. To address this, Adewale has encouraged teachers to create engaging content that can be shared on platforms where students are most active.
“Teachers need to meet students where they are. If social media is where they are spending time, let’s use it to deliver educational content,” he suggests. “Imagine if every teacher could produce useful lessons and upload them online. It would change the way students interact with learning.”
The Road Ahead
Despite his recent success, Adewale remains focused on his long-term goals. He envisions a future where education in Nigeria and across Africa is transformed through the use of technology and indigenous languages.
“I’ve seen how classrooms in the West operate, and I believe we can achieve the same level of innovation here in Nigeria,” he asserts. “Our future leaders are in the classrooms today, and we need to equip them with the skills and mindset to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
Adewale’s message to fellow teachers is one of encouragement and dedication. “If you stay dedicated to your craft, the sky’s the limit. Your hard work will eventually pay off, just like mine did.”
As he continues to push for educational reform and innovation, Adewale remains a shining example of the power of passion, perseverance, and a teacher’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future.
