Kogiflame
A teacher from James Hope College, Agbor, Delta State, Mr. Abanika Ohiani Taiye has emerged as the 2021 Maltina Teacher of the Year.
Taiye, a native of Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, received a cash prize of N6.5 million, N1.5million instantly and N1 million annually for the next five years. All from the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund
The father of six will also benefit from an all-expense paid capacity development training abroad while a well equipped computer laboratory or six block of classrooms worth N20 million will be constructed in his school.
The first runner-up, Mr Isaac Pev, Government Day Secondary School, Yonko, Taraba State, went home with N1.5 million. Margret Ofordumi, Government Science and Technical College, Abuja, who emerged the second runner-up received N1, 250million.
Aside the winner, the first and second runner-ups, 16 teachers who emerged as state champions were rewarded with N500,000 cash each. Governors and proprietors of the winning teachers are expected to shower them with additional gifts and even promotions.
Since its inception, the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative has produced six grand winners, Rose Nkemdilim Obi, Anambra (2015), Imoh Essien, Akwa Ibom (2016), Felix Ariguzo, Delta State (2017), Olasunkanmi Opeifa, FCT (2018), Ezem Collins (2019) and now Oluwabunmi Anani.
Abanika’s teaching career started in his hometown, Ebiya in Ajaokuta Local Government of Kogi State in 1994. He continued teaching during his NYSC period in 1996-July 1997 at Government Secondary School Shendam in Shendam Local Government area of Plateau State.
After the NYSC, he moved to Lagos State. He started teaching as a PTA teacher at Methodist Secondary School, Yaba, between 1997 and 2000. He was missionary teacher in the same school between 2000 and 1996.
“Other schools I have worked as a teacher and taught subjects such as Introductory Technology now Basic Technology, Physics, Technical Drawing and Design and Technology are Caleb International College, Lekki, Aviceena International School, Harold Shodipo, GRA, Ikeja, Children International School, Lekki and presently James Hope College, Agbor.
“I have passion for human development and growth, happiness in working with children of all ages and seeing them growing in knowledge, skills, critical thinking and problem solving. These are some of the features of vocational aptitudes. Also because teaching is a noble and godly profession.’
“I feel so elated and honoured for being crowned as the Maltina Teacher of the Year. I put in a great effort towards all I have done in the competition and I hoped and prayed to win. But you know man wishes to be somewhere but God takes one to the right destination at the right time.
“Though, the good news just got exposed some few hours ago. And very few of my fellow teachers have heard and they were glad and sent their congratulations. As for school and students, I am not sure they are aware yet. But I am sure they will express happiness and gratitude when the news gets to their door steps,” Abanika said.
The grand finale attracted top government functionaries including Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Governor of Lagos State represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefiayo, Registrar of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof Josiah Ajiboye, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Sade Jaji, past winners and the jury led by Prof Pat Utomi.
Since its inception in 2015, teachers have been receiving their rewards on earth as against the old saying that their rewards are in heaven.
Stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian teachers to producing the needed power for the economy. They called for constant recognition, rewards and provision of improved welfare.
