Akinsulure Shines at 2026 National Teachers' Excellence Award

The nation's premier and preferred university of education, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun (TASFUED), recently shone gloriously at the 2026 National Teachers Award as one of its postgraduate students added to institution's gallery of honours.

Mrs Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure made University proud when she emerged second runner-up in Public Senior Secondary School Teacher Category of 2026 President's Teachers and Schools' Excellence Awards (PTSEA).

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, while reacting to feat, commended Mrs Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure for making University proud and displaying uncommon courage, doggedness, discipline and hardwork in her emergence.

Prof. Oladipo described recognition as source of pride to University and reflection of TASFUED's commitment to quality teacher education, professional excellence and development of educators capable of making meaningful contributions to transformation of education in Nigeria.

Vice-Chancellor congratulated Mrs Akinsulure, noting her achievement demonstrated impact professionally trained, innovative and committed educators could make in classroom and beyond.

According to him, recognition reinforced University's mission of producing educators who are not only competent and innovative but also capable of competing confidently and contributing meaningfully on global stage.

"This achievement is particularly significant coming on heels of Mrs Akinsulure's earlier recognition among Top 10 finalists of 2026 Global Teacher Prize. The twin recognitions are evidence of quality and impact of teacher education being promoted by TASFUED," Prof. Oladipo added.

He urged Mrs Akinsulure to remain committed to excellence, innovation and service, assuring University would continue to support initiatives that promote development of highly competent and globally relevant educators.

Mrs Akinsulure received national recognition on Monday, October 5, 2026, during World Teachers' Day celebration and presentation of President's Teachers' and Schools' Excellence Awards held at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Award, organised annually by Federal Ministry of Education, was part of activities marking annual World Teachers' Day, recognising outstanding teachers, school administrators and schools for excellence, innovation, professionalism and contributions to improved educational outcomes.

The 2026 award process was digitised by Ministry to strengthen transparency, accountability and proper documentation in selection of awardees.

As part of recognition, Mrs Akinsulure received brand-new car, underscoring significance attached to outstanding performance and excellence in teaching profession.

Latest honour adds to remarkable year for educator, who was earlier named among Top 10 finalists of 2026 Global Teacher Prize, placing her among 10 educators selected globally for prestigious award. She was identified by Global Teacher Prize as Biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos, with her work recognised in areas of STEM Education, Girls' Empowerment, Environmental Education and innovative teaching.

Mrs Akinsulure's teaching practice has featured innovative and low-cost approaches aimed at making Biology more engaging and accessible to learners. Her contributions have also extended beyond classroom through teacher training, mentorship, digital learning communities, environmental initiatives and programmes designed to empower girls.

Her emergence at 2026 President's Teachers' and Schools' Excellence Awards further strengthens TASFUED's record of producing and developing educators who have distinguished themselves at national and international levels.

University has, over years, celebrated number of its students and graduates for outstanding achievements in teaching profession.

In 2019, Olalekan Adeeko emerged first runner-up in President's Teachers' and Schools' Excellence Award, while Adelana Owolabi Paul was second runner-up in 2022. Dr Adewale Kayode also emerged second runner-up in 2023 and subsequently became one of Top 50 finalists for 2025 Global Teacher Prize.

Similarly, Ayodele Odeogbola, graduate of College of Vocational and Technical Education (COVTED), made history in 2018 as first Nigerian teacher to reach Top 50 of Global Teacher Prize.

Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of University Management and entire TASFUED community, congratulated Mrs Akinsulure on prestigious national recognition and expressed confidence her achievement would inspire other educators and students of University to pursue excellence and make greater contributions to advancement of education in Nigeria.