Mr. Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, has been named one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Prize. The announcement was made on Wednesday through a statement released on the prize’s official website.
Adewale, a STEM educator teaching in a semi-urban area where most students come from low-income farming families, has been recognized for his innovative teaching methods that address significant educational challenges.
Faced with a lack of access to quality resources and students primarily using smartphones for entertainment, Adewale transformed the classroom experience by incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy and digital literacy into his lessons. Using local languages like Yoruba and Hausa, he simplifies complex mathematical concepts, making them relatable and engaging for his students.
“Through culturally tailored instructional videos and practical examples, he bridged the gap between his students’ linguistic and cultural realities and the academic content, fostering understanding and engagement,” the organisers stated.
Adewale has also introduced his students to platforms such as Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS), Inquiry Learning Space (ILS), and PhET simulations, turning smartphones into tools for collaborative virtual study groups and problem-solving. These efforts have improved students’ performance in national and regional exams while equipping them with essential 21st-century digital skills.
Beyond teaching, Adewale’s impact extends across the educational landscape. Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, he has trained over 30,000 teachers to integrate technology into their teaching. Additionally, his Ogun517GoToSpace program has sparked interest in space science among students and educators, collaborating with global professionals, including NASA experts, to inspire STEM careers.
Adewale’s dedication to sustainability is evident through environmental education projects such as tree-planting initiatives and climate change simulations, empowering students to understand their roles in promoting a sustainable future.
His outstanding contributions have earned both national and international recognition. Adewale was the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Teacher in Nigeria and has received numerous awards for excellence in mathematics education.
The Global Teacher Prize organisers commended Adewale’s achievements, describing him as an educator who exemplifies resilience and innovation. “Kayode Adewale’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding belief in the transformative power of education. By addressing socio-economic challenges with creativity and cultural sensitivity, he has improved academic outcomes and empowered students and teachers to unlock their full potential. His vision of a world where every child has access to quality education is not merely aspirational—it is a reality he works tirelessly to achieve,” the statement concluded.
Adewale’s journey stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and communities.
