Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teachers and improving education across the country as the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition (MTOTY) launched its 12th edition in Lagos.

The bank, now in its third consecutive year as a partner of the initiative, joined organisers Nigerian Breweries Plc and the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, alongside education stakeholders, to discuss how stronger support systems can improve learning outcomes for teachers and students.

The annual competition has become one of Nigeria’s most recognised platforms for celebrating educators, with more than 300 teachers honoured since its inception.

Why It Matters

Education experts have long argued that investing in teachers is one of the most effective ways to improve learning outcomes and strengthen national development.

According to stakeholders at the event, recognition programmes such as the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition help raise the profile of teachers while encouraging excellence in classrooms across the country.

The initiative also comes at a time when Nigeria faces ongoing challenges around teacher welfare, educational infrastructure, and access to quality learning opportunities.

Education Is a Strategic Investment, Says Union Bank

Speaking during the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said education remains central to the bank’s long-term vision.

“At Union Bank, we believe education is not a social obligation. It is a strategic investment,” she said.

“A nation that does not invest in its teachers and its learners is borrowing from its own future, and we are in the business of building futures, not mortgaging them.”

Aluko highlighted the bank’s Edu360 programme, a flagship initiative under its UnionCares platform, which aims to support the education ecosystem from early learning through workforce development.

The programme focuses on improving access to education for underserved communities, strengthening teacher development, expanding digital literacy, promoting STEM education, and preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

Call for Greater Private Sector Involvement

Aluko also challenged financial institutions and corporate organisations to take a broader approach to education support.

“Financial institutions need to stop thinking of ourselves as donors and start thinking of ourselves as ecosystem builders,” she said.

“We can embed financial literacy into school curricula, design products that help parents save for their children’s education, and convene policymakers, educators and the private sector around shared goals.”

“Above all, we can show up consistently, not only when it suits our brand calendars.”

Her remarks reflect growing calls for stronger collaboration between businesses, governments, and education stakeholders to address systemic challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.

Celebrating Teachers Across Nigeria

The Union Bank executive pointed to the competition’s ₦100 million grand prize as evidence of the scale of commitment being made to recognise educators.

She described the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition as a model of consistency and impact, noting that it aligns closely with Union Bank’s educational goals through Edu360.

In her closing remarks, Aluko delivered a message aimed directly at teachers nationwide.

“To every teacher in this country, what you do is not small,” she said.

“Your story deserves to be told, and Nigeria needs to know your name.”

Industry Perspective

Education advocates say teacher recognition programmes can play an important role in motivating educators and drawing public attention to the profession.

Many experts, however, stress that awards must be complemented by sustained investments in teacher training, improved welfare packages, classroom resources, and digital learning infrastructure.

Analysts also note that partnerships between private sector organisations and educational institutions are becoming increasingly important as governments seek innovative ways to improve learning outcomes.

What Happens Next?

Applications and nominations for the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition are expected to attract entries from educators across Nigeria.

Organisers say the programme will continue its mission of identifying and rewarding exceptional teachers who have made significant contributions to education and student development.

For Union Bank, the partnership forms part of its broader commitment to sustainable development and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.

Rite Foods Limited has called for stronger support systems for children across Nigeria as the country celebrates Children’s Day 2026.

The food and beverage company said Nigerian children must be encouraged to dream boldly, regardless of their background or social circumstances.

In a statement released to commemorate the annual celebration, the company said this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Inclusive for Every Child,” highlights the need for safe and supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and develop confidence.

The company also used the occasion to advocate inclusive education, family support, and equal opportunities for children across the country.

Why it matters

Children’s Day is widely celebrated across Nigeria and often serves as a platform for discussions about child welfare, education, healthcare, and social development.

Education experts and child advocates have repeatedly warned that millions of Nigerian children still face barriers to quality education, nutrition, and safe learning environments, particularly in underserved communities.

Against this backdrop, corporate organisations have increasingly used Children’s Day campaigns to promote social responsibility initiatives focused on education and youth empowerment.

Analysts say such campaigns can help amplify conversations around child development, especially at a time when families continue to face economic pressures linked to inflation and rising living costs.

“Every child carries greatness” — Rite Foods CEO

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa, said children remain central to Nigeria’s future development.

“Every child carries greatness inside them. When children are given access to education, guidance, love, and opportunities, they become confident leaders, innovators, and changemakers for tomorrow. We must continue to create environments that empower children to dream without limits,” he said.

He added that the company remains committed to supporting Nigerian families through products designed to provide “refreshment, happiness, and value.”

Rite Foods’ product portfolio includes Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Premium Table Water, Sosa Fruit Drinks, Fearless Energy Drink, Rite Spicy Sausage, and Bigi sausage products.

Investment in children seen as investment in Nigeria’s future

The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said investment in children remains critical to national development.

“Children are the future leaders, creators, and builders of our nation. When we invest in their education and values today, we are building a stronger and brighter tomorrow for Nigeria. Every child deserves the chance to shine,” he said.

The company said it has continued to engage young Nigerians through initiatives aimed at encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

Industry recognition and consumer reach

Rite Foods said its operations in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector have earned international recognition, including the “Best Foods and Beverage Brand Award” at the Global Brand Awards.

Industry observers say Nigeria’s FMCG sector has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with companies investing heavily in youth-focused branding and consumer engagement strategies.

The company said it plans to continue promoting initiatives that inspire children and families while strengthening consumer satisfaction through innovation and product quality.

What’s next?

As Children’s Day celebrations continue nationwide, stakeholders in education, business, and civil society are expected to intensify conversations around child protection, access to learning, and youth development.

Rite Foods says its message to Nigerian children is simple: continue believing in your abilities and embrace the opportunities ahead.

Wema Bank has unveiled a series of incentives and empowerment initiatives for children as part of its 2026 Children’s Day celebration, including birthday cash rewards, ₦100,000 examination prizes and nationwide STEM competitions.

The bank announced the initiatives during its Children’s Day Special Event held on Monday, 25 May 2026, where Wema Bank’s One-Day MD/CEO, Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, officially introduced the programmes.

According to the bank, the initiative is designed to strengthen leadership development, financial literacy, academic excellence and innovation among young Nigerians.

The programmes will be delivered through the Bank’s Royal Kiddies Account and the ALAT Xplore platform.

Children to receive birthday cash rewards

One of the major highlights is a year-long birthday reward initiative for children with active Royal Kiddies accounts.

Under the scheme, children turning five years old will receive ₦5,000, while those celebrating their 10th birthdays will automatically receive ₦10,000 as birthday gifts.

The initiative will run from May 2026 to May 2027.

The bank also stated that children who turned five or 10 before May 2026 would still qualify for the reward this month, provided their Royal Kiddies accounts remain active.

₦100,000 rewards for top examination candidates

In another major announcement, Wema Bank disclosed plans to reward the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) with ₦100,000 each.

The initiative is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and is aimed at encouraging academic excellence among young learners across Nigeria.

To qualify, beneficiaries must maintain active Royal Kiddies accounts with the bank.

Education analysts say initiatives like this could help motivate students and provide financial support for families navigating rising education costs.

Parents and guardians may also see the programme as an incentive to encourage savings habits among children from an early age.

Bank launches financial literacy book for children

As part of efforts to improve financial education among young Nigerians, Wema Bank also launched “Money Adventures,” a financial literacy book designed for children aged six and above.

The book introduces children to saving culture, money management and responsible financial habits using simplified and age-appropriate lessons.

Children can access copies of the book through active Royal Kiddies accounts or by opening new accounts.

Financial experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of introducing financial literacy early, especially as digital banking adoption continues to grow among younger demographics in Nigeria.

STEM challenge targets secondary school students

The bank further announced the launch of the Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge through its ALAT Xplore platform.

The initiative is targeted at secondary school students aged 13 to 17 and will be hosted in six schools across Nigeria with established STEM programmes.

The challenge will include hands-on competitions and school engagements focused on innovation, technology awareness, financial literacy and responsible savings culture.

Winners are expected to receive monetary prizes.

Eligible participants must be ALAT Xplore customers and attend participating schools with active STEM programmes.

Why the initiative matters

The announcement reflects growing competition among Nigerian banks to attract younger customers through digital products, educational programmes and youth-focused financial services.

For Wema Bank, the initiative also signals a broader push to position itself as a family-focused and youth-oriented financial institution.

Over the past four years, the bank has expanded its Children’s Day activities through leadership experiences, school tours, financial literacy campaigns and its One-Day MD/CEO programme.

However, this marks the first time the bank is introducing:

A year-long Children’s Day initiative

Six-figure academic rewards

Nationwide STEM-focused school engagements

Dedicated financial literacy materials for children

Industry observers say the move could strengthen financial inclusion among children and teenagers while encouraging responsible banking habits from an early age.

What’s next?

The birthday reward initiative has already commenced and will continue until May 2027.

The ₦100,000 NCEE reward programme is expected to begin in June 2026, while details of participating schools for the STEM challenge are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Parents interested in the programmes are expected to activate or maintain Royal Kiddies and ALAT Xplore accounts for eligible children.