A teacher at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School (Senior), Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Mary Oluwaseun Adebayo, has been named Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026 at the Federal Government’s President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards.
Adebayo received the national honour during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja, where she was presented with a brand-new car as the star prize.
Expressing her appreciation for the recognition, the teacher said she had remained committed to her profession without expecting such a reward for her efforts.
“I started this work in a private school. I kept doing the work, I did not know the Lord will reward me this way,” she said.
Adebayo secured the Best Public Senior Secondary School Teacher award before emerging as the overall winner among teachers recognised at the national event.
The Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko Old Students Association, in a congratulatory statement on Friday, described her achievement as a remarkable milestone for the institution and its community.
The association said the award reflected her dedication to teaching and her contribution to the development of education in Nigeria, adding that her success had brought national recognition to the school.
“NUDGOSA is particularly proud that one of our own has risen to the pinnacle of the teaching profession in Nigeria,” the statement said.
It added that her accomplishment would inspire students, teachers, alumni and other members of the school community by demonstrating that dedication and commitment to service could attract national recognition.
The association’s National President, Hon. Fasiu Bakenne, congratulated Adebayo, the school’s management and staff, and the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission on her achievement.
The statement was signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Sanni Damilola.
Lawmaker Nasir Gboyega Isiaka also congratulated the teacher, describing her emergence as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher as a source of pride for Afon, Imeko-Afon and the wider constituency.
In a congratulatory message issued on Friday and titled, “Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Nigeria’s Best Teacher,” Isiaka described Adebayo as an illustrious daughter of Afon, Imeko-Afon, saying her achievement highlighted the excellence found within local communities.
He reaffirmed the importance of education to his service to the constituency, noting that investment in the sector was crucial to creating more opportunities for young people.
“Dr. Adebayo’s achievement therefore resonates deeply with the work we have continued to pursue in strengthening education and supporting those who dedicate their lives to it,” he said.
Isiaka said the award had brought honour to Afon, Imeko-Afon and the entire constituency, while wishing Adebayo continued success in her career and future endeavours.
The Punch had earlier reported the announcement of the award recipients, including Adebayo’s selection as the overall best teacher.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration was held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing the Status and Shaping Our Future.”
