The top 50 finalist in the Global Teacher Award who teaches mathematics in ijebu dialect, Mr Kayode Adewale has said he would continue to advocate for teaching mathematics and other subjects in students primary language despite dropping out of the race for the coveted global prize of S1 million dollar.
He was not named among the top 10 finalist announced by Varkey Foundation, the awarding body.
Adewale said in a statement that despite dropping out of the race he was encouraged by the massive support he got from across Nigeria and particularly by the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun
He said the recognition and backing he has received from Nigerians have reignited his passion and strengthened his resolve to keep pushing forward and contribute meaningfully to transforming education in Nigeria.
What I will miss
Adewale said however that what he would miss not making it to the Top 10 is the ‘vital funding that could have supported my initiatives, particularly my Technology-Assisted Instructional Management Solution—a groundbreaking tool that enables students to learn in any Nigerian language of their choice. This solution is central to my vision of inclusive and culturally relevant education.’
He said he will also miss the opportunity to expand his ‘Transformation1090 Project, designed to empower my colleagues with tools and training to transform education in our classrooms.’
With the generous support of ₦5 million from the governor of Ogun State, Prince Abiodun he said he would forge ahead adding that ‘the next phase of training under Transformation1090 will commence in February.’
He called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative to transform education in Nigeria because of his firm belief that ‘culturally relevant pedagogy—teaching students using their indigenous or primary language—has the power to transform education in Nigeria.’
Appreciation
He thanked the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO for creating a platform that celebrates and uplifts classroom teachers globally while also wishing the Top 10 Finalists the very best!
He prayed that their projects will inspire and impact the world.
While thanking Nigerians for the encouragement and support, he said, ‘Together, we have proven that classroom teachers are agents of change. I am proud to stand as a Global Teacher Prize Ambassador and remain committed to the transformation of education in Nigeria.’
