The Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, Serah Yusuf, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving access to quality education for children in underserved and slum communities.
The Sustainable Education and Empowerment through Digital Foundation, unveiled in Abuja, according to Yusuf, is a platform focused on transforming slum communities through education, digital literacy, mentorship, leadership development and empowerment programmes.
Serah of Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja was, in November 2025, announced as the winner of the N10m grand prize at the grand finale of the 11th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, held in Lagos.
Pointing to her emergence from the slum, Serah has remained an advocate for underprivileged children in underserved communities.
Through her “Voice from the Slum” Initiative, Serah, before now, provides support for children in underserved communities through the provision of financial aid, textbooks for those who cannot afford them, school fees, uniforms, and distribution of sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Yusuf said the foundation was designed to reshape the future of children in disadvantaged communities by expanding their access to learning opportunities.
According to her, the initiative seeks to help children “thrive through learning, discover brighter futures, and fulfil their purpose in life.”
Yusuf said many children with potential are constrained by circumstances beyond their control, adding that collective action was needed to bridge the gap in educational access.
She said, “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.”
Yusuf also used the occasion to launch her educational book, Practical English Made Easy for Nigerian Students: Integrating Digital Tools for JSS 1–SSS 3, which is designed to make English language learning more practical and relevant in the digital age.
She also honoured outstanding young creative writers, saying the awards were instituted to promote literacy, creativity, critical thinking and effective communication among learners.
In addition, she presented a fully funded scholarship to Ayodele Grate, covering education from junior secondary school to university, through the support of Kabir Abass, T.M. of Wisdom International School of Excellence.
The SEED Foundation also provided digital devices to two students, Noko Modester and Uche Destiny, who were mentored by Yusuf and emerged winners at the PLAN International Nigeria Debate and Quizzes Competition 2025 after a six-month training in digital literacy.
Yusuf said the interventions reflected her commitment to identifying and nurturing talent in underserved communities.
She expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund through the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative for providing her with a platform to amplify her impact in education and community development.
She also thanked the management of Wisdom International School of Excellence, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, family members, mentors, colleagues, and stakeholders who supported the initiative.
The event attracted educators, community leaders, government representatives, parents and learners, and was described as a milestone in efforts to promote inclusive education and empower children in underserved communities.