A Mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, Kayode Adewale, has been named among the top 50 finalists for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize.
The announcement was made via a statement published on the Global Teacher Prize website on Wednesday.
Adewale, a STEM educator, works in a semi-urban community where most students come from farming households with limited access to quality educational resources.
Many of his students rely on smartphones mainly for entertainment rather than academic pursuits.
In the face of these challenges, Adewale has been lauded for “revolutionising the classroom experience.”
According to the organisers, he bridges the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and his students’ realities by incorporating local languages such as Yoruba and Hausa into his lessons.
“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 statement highlighted.
His teaching philosophy combines Culturally Relevant Pedagogy with Digital Literacy Education.
Recognising the potential of technology, he encourages his students to use their smartphones as learning tools.
“By introducing platforms like the Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS) and educational apps like Inquiry Learning Space (ILS) and PhET simulation, he created opportunities for collaborative virtual study groups and hands-on problem-solving, enhancing students’ performance in national and regional exams while cultivating digital skills critical for 21st-century success,” the organisers said.
Beyond his classroom efforts, Adewale’s impact is extensive. Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, he has trained more than 30,000 teachers, helping them adopt technology in their teaching methods.
He also founded the Ogun517GoToSpace program, which inspires students and educators to explore space science.
The initiative includes collaborations with global experts, including those from NASA, to promote interest in STEM fields.
Adewale’s dedication to environmental education is reflected in projects like tree-planting campaigns and climate change simulations, which equip students with knowledge about sustainability.
His accomplishments have earned him recognition both locally and internationally. He was the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Teacher in Nigeria and has received multiple awards for excellence in mathematics education.
Describing him as a teacher of resilience and ingenuity, the organisers stated, “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.”
