Nigerian educators have until October 12, 2026, to apply for or nominate a teacher for the 2027 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a $1 million award celebrating exceptional educators around the world.
The 2027 edition has broadened its eligibility requirements to recognise the changing ways in which education is delivered. Alongside conventional classroom teachers, digital educators, education programme leaders and teachers working in refugee or other non-formal learning environments can now qualify.
Part-time, contract and self-employed educators are also eligible, provided they satisfy the award’s requirements.
The prize, established by education philanthropist Sunny Varkey through the Varkey Foundation, is entering its 11th edition. Since its launch in 2015, it has attracted more than 100,000 applications and nominations globally.
Eligible candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience and work with learners between the ages of four and 18.
According to the organisers, applicants will be judged on the effectiveness of their teaching, innovative approaches to educational challenges, measurable learning outcomes and their influence on students and communities.
Their contribution to areas such as global citizenship, peacebuilding, strengthening the teaching profession and raising the profile of educators will also form part of the assessment.
Nigeria has emerged as a notable presence in the competition in recent years. In the 2026 edition, Lagos-based Biology teacher Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure of Omole Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, reached the Top 10 after competing against more than 5,000 applications and nominations from 139 countries.
Akinsulure has promoted STEM education, girls’ empowerment and environmental learning through innovative teaching methods. Her Global Teacher Prize profile states that she developed the SOAR+T teaching model and has trained more than 30,000 teachers in Nigeria and other countries.
Another Nigerian educator, Tijjani Mohammed Mukaddas, also made the 2026 Top 50, giving Nigeria two representatives on the shortlist.
Indian educator Rouble Nagi ultimately won the 2026 prize after emerging from the international field of finalists. She has since encouraged Nigerian teachers making a difference in their communities to enter the 2027 competition, while urging students and parents to nominate educators who have had a lasting impact.
Varkey said the award was established to highlight teachers’ contribution to addressing major challenges such as inequality, climate change and rapid technological change.
He said the revised eligibility criteria reflected the growing diversity of educational settings and the increasing role of digital and community-based learning.
The 2027 selection process will narrow entries to 50 shortlisted educators and then 10 finalists, before the Global Teacher Prize Academy selects the overall winner.
Applications and nominations are currently open through the official Global Teacher Prize website and will close on October 12, 2026.
