FCT Staff of the Year: Olasunkanmi Opeifa’s teaching legacy shines nationally

By Ayo Omoniyi

On Saturday, May 29, 2021, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) made a bold and historic statement naming a teacher, Olasunkanmi Samuel Opeifa, as the FCT Staff of the Year. The announcement, which took place at the maiden edition of the FCTA Excellence Awards, recognized excellence across all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies under the FCTA. For Opeifa, the award was more than a personal achievement; it was a moment of pride for teachers everywhere.

“I must say it was a huge surprise,” Opeifa shared. “I was only expecting to be named alongside many, but I never imagined I would emerge as the overall recipient. The fact that the award went to a teacher speaks volumes it means our story is being written, and we are standing tall among other professions.”

Born on March 28, 1986, Olasunkanmi Opeifa hails from Ogun State but was raised in Lagos. From as early as eight years old, he knew he wanted to teach. That childhood conviction blossomed into a career defined by innovation, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.

While studying at Lagos State University, Opeifa volunteered at a community education centre, tutoring young people for national exams. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he was posted to a rural school in Koma, Adamawa State, where he served as the only English teacher for over 200 students. Despite the school’s limited resources, he spearheaded the creation of its first library, providing students access to books they had never seen before.

In 2018, Opeifa’s exceptional work earned him the Maltina Teacher of the Year award. Two years later, he became a Top 10 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, was named YNaija Person of the Year, and received the FCT Staff of the Year 2020 award. These accolades reflect a consistent dedication to uplifting education and inspiring change.

At the core of his mission is the Olasunkanmi Opeifa Educational Foundation, a platform that trains, mentors, and provides small grants to teachers across Nigeria. Through this initiative, he champions creative problem-solving and professional growth in the teaching community. One of the foundation’s key initiatives is The Phenomenon Conference, which gathers hundreds of educators annually to empower them as leaders in their schools and communities. In 2024, the event expanded to include the Phenomenon Community Impact Challenge, encouraging teachers to lead grassroots projects in health and education.

His impact also includes direct investments in public schools, where he has equipped classrooms with digital tools and trained hundreds of teachers in practical, student-centered methods. His latest venture, as Program Director at GMind.AI, further reflects his commitment to the future of education. The EdTech platform helps teachers integrate artificial intelligence into lesson planning, feedback, and personalized instruction making technology accessible and relevant to everyday classroom realities.

Opeifa’s influence extends internationally. He is a Fulbright Teaching Fellow, has completed a leadership course in India, and has spoken at several global conferences on education reform. Yet, his focus remains firmly rooted in Nigeria’s classrooms and communities.

In 2025, he launched Professionals’ Daily Devotion, a morning series that combines leadership, personal growth, and storytelling. Thousands of Nigerians tune in daily to draw lessons on purpose, time management, empathy, and self-leadership tools that help professionals thrive across sectors.

As an author, Opeifa continues to teach beyond the classroom. His 2014 book Oral English Pedagogue remains a staple for teachers and students alike. He is currently writing a new book titled Lead Like a Player, using lessons from Scrabble to explore leadership in a relatable and engaging way.

When he is not teaching or writing, Opeifa enjoys playing Scrabble, composing poetry, and delving into African proverbs and stories. He is a husband, a father, and a lifelong mentor to young people passionate about education and community development.

The FCT Staff of the Year award is not just a personal victory, it is a national recognition of the transformative role teachers play. Olasunkanmi Opeifa stands as proof that with passion, purpose, and persistence, a teacher can light the path for generations to come.