For Adeola Oduloye Akinsulure, becoming the first Nigerian female teacher to reach the Top 10 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize 2026 is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of a long, inspiring journey built by many educators before her. In a heartfelt reflection, she traced the story of Nigeria’s growing presence on the global stage, describing her achievement as the continuation of a legacy defined by courage, excellence, and collective progress.
Looking back, Akinsulure said her moment was shaped by the footsteps of those who first dared to believe that Nigerian teachers could compete globally. “This milestone did not begin with me. It was made possible by the courage, excellence, and perseverance of Nigerian teachers who came before me, teachers whose stories inspired belief and gave many of us the confidence to say, ‘If they can, I can too,’” she said.
According to her, the journey began in 2018 when Odeogbola Ay and Itodo Anthony opened the door for Nigeria on the Global Teacher Prize platform. Their appearance, just three years after the global initiative was launched, signaled to the world that Nigerian educators belonged among the best. She described their achievement as historic and symbolic, noting that it planted hope in the hearts of many teachers across the country.
The momentum continued in 2019 when Soji Megbowon, the first finalist from Lagos State, carried the torch forward. His story, she said, became a powerful source of motivation for teachers nationwide and helped position Lagos firmly on the global education map.
By 2020, the journey reached a defining moment when Olasunkanmi Samuel Opeifa made it to the Top 10 finalists, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve the feat. Akinsulure recalled how that moment ignited belief among educators, including herself. “That moment proved that global excellence was not beyond our reach. It made many of us believe that one day, our time would come,” she reflected.
She noted that the light continued to shine in 2021 through the emergence of Adeola Adefemi and Olusegun Michael Adeniyi, two educators from Lagos State whose recognition reinforced the consistency of excellence in Nigerian classrooms. Their achievements, she said, strengthened Lagos State’s reputation as a hub for outstanding teaching and learning.
In 2023, Dr. Peace Sule and Dr. Stephanie Akinwoya further amplified Nigeria’s voice on the global stage, sending a clear message about the quality of teaching in the country. Each new recognition, Akinsulure explained, added to a growing body of evidence that Nigerian educators were making meaningful global impact.
The baton shifted again in 2025 when Dr. Adewale Kayode of Ogun State became the ninth Nigerian teacher finalist and the only Nigerian on the global list that year. Akinsulure described witnessing his journey as a defining inspiration. “Seeing his journey strengthened my faith that my own time would come,” she said. “And indeed, that faith was rewarded.”
Today, the baton has passed once more. Akinsulure, alongside Dr. Tijjani Mukaddas, now represents Nigeria as part of the 2026 Global Teacher Prize Top 10 finalists. Her emergence marks three historic milestones — the first Nigerian female teacher to reach the Top 10, the second Nigerian overall to do so, and the only African teacher among this year’s finalists.
Reflecting on the broader significance, she described the moment as a shared victory for the nation and the continent. She also highlighted that six out of the eleven Nigerian Global Teacher Ambassadors have come from Lagos State, a testament, she said, to sustained commitment to educational excellence and strong leadership in the sector.
“To every teacher in Nigeria and across Africa: your classroom matters,” she said. “Your daily work, often unseen and under-celebrated, is shaping futures and changing narratives. These journeys prove that global recognition is possible regardless of where you teach.”
Encouraging educators to remain intentional and hopeful, Akinsulure urged them to share their impact stories and continue striving for excellence. “Tell your stories. Document your impact. Believe in your work. Prepare intentionally. One of us rises, and the ladder becomes clearer for others,” she added.
With her story now part of the growing legacy, she believes the journey is far from over. “The world is watching African classrooms,” she said. “And the best chapters of this story are still being written. You can be next.”
