Olasunkanmi Opeifa, a Nigerian teacher has been named a top 10 finalist for the Global teacher Prize 2020.
The Global Teacher Prize award was established by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), six year ago with prize money of US$1million.
Stephen Fry, English comedian announced Opeifa as a top 10 finalist in a special video message.
“Today, I am delighted to announce that Olasunkanmi Opeifa from Nigeria is a top ten finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2020.
“Olasunkanmi, you have inspired your students by using edutainment-fun-based learning to teach English Language concepts, with essay writing linked to popular dance steps, and phonology and grammar demonstrated by rapping and hip-hop songs.
“You also published a book on learning English in order to reach more students beyond your community, and introduced free weekend tutorials in order to cover the syllabus with them. With this approach, examination results have vastly improved and many of your students now meet the benchmark for admission to university. Congratulations Olasunkanmi and thanks for everything you do”, he said.
Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, also said, ‘Congratulations to Olasunkanmi Opeifa for being selected as a top ten finalist from such a huge number of talented and dedicated teachers. I hope his story will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also highlight the incredible work teachers do all over Nigeria and throughout the world every day’.
Sunny Varkey, Founder, The Global Teacher Prize, said that The Global Teacher Prize was set up to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. He also advocated that teachers everywhere should be applauded for their creativity, compassion and resolve to fulfil every child’s right to a good education.
