In a remarkable testament to their dedication and innovation in education, two Nigerian teachers, Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya, have been shortlisted in the top 50 candidates for the prestigious Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. This global recognition, in collaboration with UNESCO and Dubai Cares, celebrates educators who have made exceptional contributions to the teaching profession.
Selected from an impressive pool of over 7,000 nominations and applications spanning 130 countries, Peace Sule, an ICT teacher at Akoka Junior High School in Lagos, and Stephanie Akinwoya, a physics teacher at Iju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, now stand as strong contenders for the USD 1 million Global Teacher Prize – the largest award of its kind.
The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize aims not only to honor outstanding educators but also to spotlight the vital role teachers play in shaping society. By uncovering stories of educators who have transformed young lives, the prize underscores the incredible work of millions of teachers worldwide.
Peace Sule, who believes that ignorance is the greatest obstacle to progress, has not only excelled in her classroom but has also spearheaded adult and literacy education programs to benefit those who never received formal schooling. With the prize funds, she envisions establishing a groundbreaking Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Africa, launching a floating school to ensure education remains accessible in flood-prone areas, and founding a vocational institute to nurture students' talents in acting, music, dance, and fashion design.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, praised Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya, emphasizing the crucial role of education in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological advancements.
As the Global Teacher Prize journey continues, these two Nigerian educators have already made an indelible mark, showcasing the transformative power of teaching on a global platform. The world eagerly awaits the announcement of the top 10 finalists and, ultimately, the winner of the Global Teacher Prize later this year.
