Three Lagos Teachers Emerge Winners of Ashoka Educators Innovation Showcase

Three Lagos State teachers have emerged winners of the Ashoka Teachers Challenge, earning a combined N7.5 million for developing innovative solutions to challenges affecting students and schools.

The initiative, organised under Ashoka’s changemaking programmes, seeks to empower teachers to move beyond simply implementing educational reforms by identifying challenges in their classrooms and creating practical solutions that can benefit students, schools and communities.

The challenge culminated in the Educators Innovation Showcase, where three teachers were recognised for outstanding projects aimed at addressing issues in education and preparing students for the future.

Adeyanju Adeyoola of Lagos State Model Junior College, Kankon, Badagry, emerged as the overall winner with the BKind Anti-Bullying Game Initiative and received N3.5 million.

Felix Alabi of Abule-ko Community Junior Grammar School came second with ClassSync, earning N2.5 million, while Abraham Lawal of Lagos Progressive Junior Secondary School placed third with his Student Leadership for Future of Work initiative and received N1.5 million.

The programme reflects Ashoka’s belief that teachers can play a central role in driving social change by turning everyday classroom problems into innovative solutions.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Angelou Ezeilo, Co-President of Ashoka Africa, said teachers occupy a strategic position in preparing a generation capable of tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Ezeilo explained that Ashoka’s “Everyone a Changemaker” vision is based on the idea that social problem-solving should not be limited to a small group of experts or social entrepreneurs.

“Why just have this elite group of people who are working on these solutions? Let’s make sure every single person understands that they can make change,” she said.

According to her, Ashoka was founded in 1980 and has expanded its operations to about 99 countries, with approximately 5,000 fellows globally, including around 500 across 26 African countries.

She stressed that the changemaking philosophy should be introduced early, particularly within schools, where teachers can help students develop the skills, confidence and mindset needed to become problem-solvers and agents of positive change.

The success of the three Lagos teachers highlights the potential of educators to contribute to educational innovation while addressing real-life challenges affecting learners and their communities.