Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teachers and advancing education in the country as the 12th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, MTOTY officially commenced in Lagos.
The bank, which is participating as a partner for the third consecutive year, joined organisers, Nigerian Breweries Plc and the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, alongside key stakeholders in the education sector, at the launch event.
As part of activities marking the flag-off, Union Bank participated in a panel discussion focused on how educational support initiatives can improve learning outcomes for both teachers and students across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Union Bank, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, described education as a strategic priority for the bank, stressing that investment in teachers and learners is critical to national development.
“At Union Bank, we believe education is not a social obligation. It is a strategic investment. 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,” she said.
Aluko highlighted Edu360, the bank’s flagship education intervention under its UnionCares platform, as a demonstration of its long-term commitment to the sector. According to her, the initiative supports the entire education value chain by improving access to quality education for underserved communities, investing in teachers, promoting digital literacy and STEM education, and preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
She also urged financial institutions to move beyond traditional corporate social responsibility approaches and become active contributors to the education ecosystem.
“Financial institutions need to stop thinking of ourselves as donors and start thinking of ourselves as ecosystem builders. 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,” she stated.
The Union Bank executive emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving meaningful educational outcomes. She noted that the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, which offers a ₦100 million grand prize and has recognised more than 300 teachers since its inception, demonstrates the impact of consistent investment in education.
She concluded with a message of appreciation to teachers across the country, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the future.
“To every teacher in this country, what you do is not small. Your story deserves to be told, and Nigeria needs to know your name,” she said.
Union Bank said its continued support for the competition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education, and reflects the bank’s broader commitment to social impact and sustainable development in communities across Nigeria.
