FUNAAB Graduate Mary Adebayo Emerges Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026, Wins Brand-New Car

Dr. Mary Adebayo, an alumna of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has emerged as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026, earning double national honours and a brand-new car at the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards in Abuja.

The award was presented as part of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in recognition of her outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.

A teacher at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School (Senior), Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Adebayo also won the Best Public Senior Secondary School Teacher category, making her a recipient of two national awards.

FUNAAB’s Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, described the achievement as a source of pride for the university, noting that it reflected the values of academic excellence, discipline, professional competence and dedication to service that the institution promotes among its graduates.

Dr. Adebayo obtained her first degree in Animal Production and Health (APH) from FUNAAB in 2003. She subsequently earned a master’s degree in Animal Physiology (ANP) in 2011 and a PhD in the same discipline in 2021.

According to Olajide, her academic journey and professional accomplishments demonstrate the importance of quality education, continuous learning and commitment to excellence. He described her as a worthy ambassador of the university whose achievements have brought recognition to FUNAAB, Ogun State and Nigeria.

He added that her double national recognition underscores the important role teachers play in the intellectual, moral and social development of young people. He also highlighted her dedication to effective classroom delivery, professional conduct and the development of future generations.

Olajide further noted that Dr. Adebayo’s accomplishment demonstrates the broad impact of FUNAAB’s academic training beyond agriculture and related disciplines. He said the achievements of its graduates across different professional fields reflect the university’s contribution to national development.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated Dr. Adebayo on the recognition, commending her dedication to the teaching profession.

Kehinde expressed confidence that her achievement would inspire other university alumni, practising teachers and aspiring professionals to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to society.

Dr. Adebayo’s emergence as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026 represents a significant milestone for both the university and the teaching profession, highlighting the contribution of dedicated educators to the development of future generations and the country at large.