By Nicholas Ojo
A 28-year-old, Theophilla Effiong Hanson from Akwa Ibom State has emerged winner of the third edition of Teachers Naija television reality show, after 4 weeks of intense show from 19 housemates.
Theophilla who is the winner of the third edition of the show themed ‘The Smart Teacher’ will be going home with 10million naira grand prize.
Theophilla edged out two other finalists Queen and Adenike to clinch the coveted status of winner of this year’s edition.
Queen Etana Tunde from Edo State however emerged as the first runners-up with 7million naira (2million naira cash with 5million naira what of prizes.) While Adenike Ambrose from Kogi State who emerged as the second runners-up went away with 5million naira (1.5million cash and 3.5million what of prizes.)
The winner and other runners-up get inducted into some educational international bodies, a South Africa trip and many more.
Theophilla, who is a teacher from His Majesty international schools, Ibaka Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom was elated, screamed upon announcement of her victory.
Theophilla while speaking with Journalists said the journey had been an amazing and splendid one as she appreciated God for her victory.
She also appreciated the organizers for the opportunity and for making the reward of teachers to begin on earth contrary to the saying that the reward of teachers is in heaven.
At least 19 Nigerian teachers participated in the third edition of the reality TV show, while vying for the ultimate prize of N10 million.
The reality show, an initiative of Anub Media Limited, had its first season in 2019 where the winner, first and second runners-up went home with N1.5m, N1m and N500,000, respectively.
In its second edition in 2021, the show’s winner was awarded a three-bedroom flat in Abuja and the sum of N2m in cash prize, while the first and second runners-up got N1.5m and N1m, respectively.
The convener of the show, Enuagwuna Ubaka during the event, said that the essence of the show is to change the narrative of the teaching profession.
He explained that the reality show focuses on celebrating Nigerian teachers in view of their huge contributions to nation-building.
He said, “Teachers train the future generation and they deserve to be recognised. If other shows give out a lot of money to their participants, I think teachers deserve more because they have more impact.
“We put the show together to bring back the lost glory of the Nigerian teachers, knowing well that the teaching profession has been bastardised in Nigeria and relegated to the background
“The housemates who were selected randomly across the country, were prioritised based on their intellectual capabilities.
“Some of the selection criteria were that each teacher must be between 21 and 45 years old, must be registered with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and be actively teaching.
“The show was organised in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Federal Ministry of Education and NUT.
“The housemates were twenty in number but one opted out at the last minute on health ground, Ubaka added.