Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, has emerged as one of the top 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Prize, a recognition that places him among the best educators worldwide.
The announcement, made by the Global Teacher Prize organizers on Wednesday, has sent waves of excitement throughout the Nigerian educational community. Adewale’s remarkable achievements, particularly in a semi-urban school where resources are scarce and many students come from low-income farming backgrounds, have earned him this global recognition.
In a statement released by the Global Teacher Prize, Adewale’s approach to teaching was hailed as groundbreaking. “Kayode Adewale is not just a teacher; he is a transformative figure in the lives of his students,” said the organizers. “His teaching methods incorporate local languages and culturally relevant materials, making complex concepts like mathematics accessible and engaging for his students.”
For many students in rural Ogun State, the classroom is a place far removed from the conveniences and opportunities of urban centers. Most of the students at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School struggle with inadequate access to quality educational resources. Despite the hurdles, Adewale has managed to bridge the gap between his students’ socio-economic realities and the academic world they aspire to excel in.
Adewale’s innovative methods have included the integration of Yoruba and Hausa, the primary local languages spoken by his students, into his lessons. By using these languages, he has made abstract concepts more tangible and easier to grasp.
The integration of technology into Adewale’s teaching methods has been another key factor in his success. Despite the challenges that come with teaching in an under-resourced community, Adewale has leveraged smartphones—devices that many students already own but use mostly for entertainment—into valuable educational tools.
He introduced the use of educational apps and platforms like the Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS), Inquiry Learning Space (ILS), and PhET simulations. These tools have allowed students to engage in virtual study groups, collaborate with peers, and solve problems hands-on, all while enhancing their digital literacy.
Adewale’s commitment to improving the educational experience extends far beyond his own classroom. Through his initiative, Transformation1090, he has trained over 30,000 teachers across Nigeria, equipping them with the skills to incorporate technology into their teaching. This work has been instrumental in creating a ripple effect, empowering educators across the country to transform their own classrooms.
Another of Adewale’s key contributions is the Ogun517GoToSpace program, which he founded to inspire students to explore space science. This initiative has not only sparked interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields but has also led to collaborations with global professionals, including NASA experts.
Adewale’s impact doesn’t stop at education. He has also championed environmental sustainability through initiatives like tree planting and climate change simulations. These projects aim to empower students with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their environment and promote sustainability.
The 2025 Global Teacher Prize recognition adds to a growing list of awards that Adewale has received for his exceptional contributions to education. In 2021, he was named the second runner-up for Best Teacher in Nigeria, and he has won numerous accolades for his excellence in teaching mathematics.
