Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure, a dedicated Biology teacher from Nigeria, has achieved a significant milestone by being named a top 10 finalist for the prestigious $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026. This recognition highlights her extraordinary contributions to the teaching profession and underscores the vital role educators play globally. Adeola’s journey to this esteemed position is a testament to her innovative teaching methods and profound impact on her students and community. She was selected from an impressive pool of over 5,000 nominations and applications submitted by educators in 139 countries, demonstrating the widespread reach and significance of this global award.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Global Teacher Prize, an initiative by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO. The prize, valued at $1 million, is the largest of its kind and aims to celebrate exceptional teachers who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and society. By sharing inspiring stories of educators who have transformed young lives, the prize seeks to illuminate the remarkable work of teachers worldwide.
Featured snippet paragraph: Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure is a Biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School in Ikeja, Nigeria, who has been recognized for her innovative teaching methods and significant impact on student learning and community development. She was selected as a top 10 finalist for the $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026.
Adeola teaches at a state school in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, where students often face challenging socioeconomic conditions, including low incomes, overcrowded classrooms, and unreliable electricity. Recognizing that she herself once struggled with science, Adeola committed to “rebranding” STEM to make it more accessible, engaging, creative, and empowering for young learners.
Her unique SOAR+T model is at the core of her transformative approach. This model skillfully integrates edutainment, cost-effective technology, gamified assessments, and real-world problem-solving activities. By incorporating music, role-playing, and digital tools, she makes even complex biology concepts easier for students to grasp and retain.
The success of Adeola’s teaching is evident in the remarkable improvements in her students’ academic performance. WASSCE Biology credit passes have surged from 45.3% to an impressive 95%-99% within a single year. This outstanding achievement led to her school being recognized as the Best School in its district and among the Top 50 Schools in West Africa.
Beyond academic achievements, Adeola has extended her influence through impactful extracurricular initiatives. She founded the Environmental Bees Club and the REACHHer Hub, which foster interest in robotics and AI, promote waste-to-wealth projects, and deliver essential menstrual health and leadership programs. These programs have positively impacted over 500 girls across 106 schools.
Furthermore, Adeola’s commitment to advancing the teaching profession is demonstrated by her extensive training of over 30,000 teachers. She equips them with creative, low-cost pedagogical approaches, thereby amplifying her positive influence across Nigeria and beyond.
Sunny Varkey, the visionary Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation, commended Adeola, stating, “Congratulations, Adeola. This honour recognizes not only what you teach, but the incredible impact you make every day. Your work extends far beyond the classroom – it touches lives, shapes communities, and helps define our shared future.”
He further emphasized the importance of education in navigating a rapidly changing world, adding, “In a rapidly changing world, it is only by prioritizing education that we can safeguard our tomorrows and face the future with confidence.”
What is the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize? It is an annual award that recognizes and celebrates an exceptional teacher for their outstanding contribution to the profession and society, with a significant monetary prize.
Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure’s dedication and innovative spirit exemplify the profound impact a single teacher can have. Her story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of education and the critical importance of supporting and celebrating educators worldwide.
How to become a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize involves demonstrating exceptional impact in teaching, innovation in the classroom, and significant contributions to the wider community, often through a rigorous nomination and selection process.
Why is teacher recognition important? It acknowledges the vital role educators play in shaping future generations, motivates them to continue their impactful work, and inspires others to pursue careers in teaching.
