Yoruba man, Kayode Adewale, ranked among top 50 best teachers in the world

January 16, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Mr. Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School, Ogun State, has earned a spot among the 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Prize.

The announcement was made in a statement released on the Global Teacher Prize website on Wednesday. Adewale, a STEM educator, teaches in a semi-urban area where most students hail from low-income farming families.

The students often lack access to quality educational resources, with many using smartphones primarily for entertainment rather than academics.

In response to these challenges, Adewale has been praised for “revolutionising the classroom experience.”

According to the organisers, he integrates local languages such as Yoruba and Hausa into his lessons, making complex mathematical concepts relatable.

“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 read.

Adewale’s teaching methods are rooted in a unique blend of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Digital Literacy Education. Recognising technology’s potential as a tool for empowerment, he guided students to transform their smartphones into academic resources.

“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 statement added.

Beyond the classroom, Adewale’s initiatives have had a far-reaching impact.

Through his Transformation1090 Initiative, he has trained over 30,000 teachers, equipping them with tools to integrate technology into their teaching practices.

“As the founder of the Ogun517GoToSpace program, he has inspired students and educators to explore space science, collaborating with global professionals, including NASA experts, to foster interest in STEM careers,” the organisers noted.

Adewale’s commitment to environmental education is evident through projects like tree-planting initiatives and climate change simulations, which empower students to understand their role in promoting sustainability.

His achievements have gained both national and international recognition, including being named the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Teacher in Nigeria and receiving numerous awards for excellence in mathematics education.

The organisers further described Adewale as a teacher whose story exemplifies resilience and innovation: “Kayode Adew