Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics and STEM educator at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, Nigeria, has been named among the top 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Prize, presented by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO. This recognition celebrates his innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to improving education in underserved communities.
In his semi-urban community, where many students come from low-income farming families, Adewale employs a unique approach by integrating local languages such as Yoruba and Hausa into his mathematics instruction. By using culturally relevant instructional videos and practical examples, he simplifies complex concepts, making them more accessible and relatable to his students.
Beyond his classroom, Kayode has made significant strides in teacher development through his Transformation1090 Initiative. This program has trained over 30,000 teachers across Nigeria, equipping them with the tools to integrate technology into their teaching practices. By introducing platforms like the Technology-Assisted Management Solution (TAIMS) and educational apps such as Inquiry Learning Space (ILS) and PhET simulations, he has cultivated digital literacy and enhanced students’ performance in national and regional exams.
Kayode’s influence extends to inspiring students to explore STEM careers. As the founder of the Ogun517GoToSpace program, he collaborates with global professionals, including NASA experts, to ignite interest in space science among Nigerian students. His commitment to environmental education is evident in initiatives like tree-planting campaigns and climate change simulations, empowering students to understand and address sustainability challenges.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, the Ogun State Government appointed Kayode as the Ogun State Education Ambassador and awarded him ₦5 million and a bungalow. He was also named the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Teacher in Nigeria and has received awards for excellence in mathematics education.
You are a real superhero, Kayode!