Kayode Adewale: Maths Teacher Using Mother Tongue Shortlisted for $1 Million Prize

By Segun Adeyanju 

Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics teacher at Imaka/Imagbon Comprehensive High School, Ogun State, has been shortlisted among the top 50 finalists for the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize.

Renowned for his innovative teaching approach, Adewale integrates the Ijebu dialect to simplify complex mathematical concepts, engaging his students and enhancing learning outcomes.

“I adopted culturally relevant pedagogy, using our local dialect to teach. The first time I tried it, previously passive students became highly interested,” Adewale explained.

The Africa shortlist of the 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize has seven continent nominees on the list, including a triad from West Africa.

His teaching style, supported by technology and hands-on methods, has transformed classrooms and inspired educators across Ogun State.

Adewale’s journey reflects years of dedication.

In 2020, he was named the best senior secondary school teacher in Ogun State, earning N2.5 million from Governor Dapo Abiodun, which he invested in renovating his school’s laboratory into a STEM hub.

He has since received numerous accolades, including recognition as the third-best teacher in Nigeria and a finalist in the Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program.

Driven by a passion for education, Adewale aims to use the prize money to expand technology-assisted instructional solutions, train teachers nationwide, and support underserved communities.

“This recognition is proof that teachers can reshape education in Nigeria. It’s my turn this year; it could be yours next,” he said.