Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Sauka, Abuja, has emerged as a standout institution in Nigeria’s teaching landscape after producing the overall winner of the Maltina Teacher of the Year in 2025 and a first runner-up in the 2026 edition.
The latest recognition came on Thursday at the grand finale of the 12th Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where WISE teacher, Mrs. Cariyat Yusuf Olorunfemi, emerged as the first runner-up, receiving a cash prize of N5 million.
Her feat came barely a year after another WISE teacher, Ms. Serah Yusuf, won the overall Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, giving the Abuja-based school a rare back-to-back presence among the top awardees of Nigeria’s prominent teaching recognition.
The development has placed the spotlight not only on Olorunfemi’s achievement but also on WISE’s approach to teacher development, practical learning and skills-based education.
Olorunfemi, a Basic Science and Entrepreneurship/Blue Skills Development teacher, was recognised for an approach that connects classroom learning with practical enterprise, environmental education and aquaculture.
Through initiatives including Girl Education GEMS with Cariyat, Environmental Education and Entrepreneurship Development, and WISE Blue, she has encouraged learners to view education beyond examinations and explore how knowledge and skills can translate into economic opportunities.
The organisers said her learner-centred approach, practical teaching methods and work in promoting girl-child entrepreneurship in a semi-urban community distinguished her from more than 2,000 entries received from across the country.
Speaking after receiving the award, Olorunfemi dedicated the recognition to her learners and the entire WISE community.
