Delta teacher wins ‘2017 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award’

Mr. Felix Udochukwu Ariguzo, a teacher with Mastercare International School, Asaba, Delta State, has emerged the Maltina Teacher of the Year for 2017 in the highpoint of the competition’s grand finale held recently in Lagos.

For the feat, Ariguzo was rewarded with N1million in addition to N500,000 he received as Delta State champion. He will also receive N1m every year for five years, a training programme abroad and a block of six classrooms built at his school.

Ariguzo, a Biology and Chemistry teacher, revealed that he draws inspiration for teaching from his love for service and knowledge building. He thanked Nigerian Breweries for the gesture; and enjoined other corporate organisations to follow the worthy example. Today, I am very happy and proud that Nigerian Breweries has shown that teachers’ rewards are both in heaven and on earth,” he said.

The 38- year- old son of a teacher maintained that teaching is not about earning a living, but giving life a meaning and that a strong passion and emotional stability are vital in the teaching profession.

On the night, Mrs. Chika Ume-Ezeoke, a Biology teacher with Our Lady of Apostle, Yaba, Lagos State, emerged the first runner-up, while Mr. Samuel Emochuaogu an English teacher with Winners International Academy, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, clinched the second runner-up position.

While welcoming guests at the event, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Johan Doyer explained that in line with its philosophy of winning with Nigeria, the company resolved in 1994, to play a more active role in the development of education in Nigeria when it established the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund- with a commencement capital of N100m.

The fund, according to him, has impacted over 25,000 students across the country, built 31 classroom blocks and 30 libraries equipped with furniture and books in both primary and secondary schools across various communities.