Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, Serah Yusuf, has unveiled the Sustainable Education and Empowerment through Digital Foundation in Slums (SEED Foundation); launched an educational book; and awarded scholarships and digital devices to students, and also celebrated best creative writers as part of efforts to improve access to quality education in underserved communities.

The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja on Saturday, brought together educators, government officials, community leaders, parents, learners and development stakeholders committed to advancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

As part of the initiative, Yusuf awarded a fully funded scholarship to Ayodele Grate, covering the student’s education from junior secondary school to university through the support of Kabir Abass, proprietor of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE).

The foundation also presented digital devices to two students, Noko Daberechukwu Modester and Uche Ndubuisi Ibene Destiny, who emerged winners in the PLAN International Nigeria Debate and Quizzes Competition 2025 after completing a six-month digital literacy training programme facilitated by Yusuf.

Speaking at the event, Yusuf described the SEED Foundation as a platform designed to transform lives through education, digital literacy, mentorship, leadership development and empowerment programmes targeted at children in slum and underserved communities.

According to her, the foundation was established to ensure that children are defined by their potential rather than their circumstances.

“SEED Foundation was established to ensure that children in slum and underserved communities are not defined by their environment but by their potential. Through education, digital skills, mentorship and empowerment, we want them to see beyond their current realities and embrace a future filled with possibilities,” she said.

Yusuf also launched her book, Practical English Made Easy for Nigerian Students: Integrating Digital Tools for JSS 1–SSS 3, which aims to make English language learning more practical while promoting the use of digital tools in classrooms.

She said the publication was designed to improve learning outcomes among secondary school students and equip them with skills relevant to the digital age.

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding young creative writers, who received awards for excellence in writing, creativity and academic performance.

Yusuf thanked the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund through the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative for providing a platform that has enabled her to expand her impact in education and community development.

She also acknowledged the support of the management of Wisdom International School of Excellence, mentors, family members, development partners and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.

Participants at the ceremony described the foundation as a timely intervention and called for greater collaboration among governments, schools, private organisations and individuals to promote inclusive and quality education for children regardless of their background.

They expressed optimism that the SEED Foundation would help expand educational opportunities, strengthen digital literacy and empower young people in underserved communities to achieve their full potential.