Muslim News, Nigeria’s most authoritative Islamic Newspaper, has named Mr. Kassim Yusuf Adegboyega, fondly known as Leecrown, as the Nigerian Muslim Teacher of the Year 2024/2025 (#MNawards).
The Publisher of the newspaper and initiator of the award, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar said honouring Mr Yusuf is to celebrate his exceptional impact on classroom instruction, youth mentorship, and educational reform across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, November 14, Abubakar congratulated Mr. Kassim, who teaches at Epe Girls’ Senior High School in Lagos, describing him as a responsible and conscious Muslim whose life has been dedicated to religious activism and moral upbringing.
“Throughout his career, he has focused on building and mentoring students to become disciplined, committed, and spiritually conscious individuals. His approach emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the importance of aligning one’s life with the expectations and guidance of their Creator,” he noted.
This latest recognition comes after Mr. Kassim was named the Overall Best Senior Secondary School Teacher in Nigeria for 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Education, a prestigious national honour that further cements his influence in the education sector.
A Mathematics specialist under the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mr. Kassim has transformed teaching and learning through creative pedagogies, student-centred innovations, and sustained academic excellence. His approach to education transcends routine instruction; it reflects a deep commitment to nurturing holistic learners equipped for a dynamic world.
A solid academic and professional foundation
Mr. Kassim’s educational journey is rooted in a firm foundation of professional and academic excellence. He holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Bachelor of Science (Education) degree in Mathematics, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mathematics Science Education.
His strong academic background in both pedagogy and subject expertise provides him with a robust understanding of learning psychology, educational development, and innovative teaching strategies.
This extensive training has been instrumental in his ability to design effective instructional models and assessment frameworks that respond to diverse learning needs in modern classrooms. According to him, “Education is not merely about teaching subjects but about transforming lives through understanding, focus, and a can-do attitude.”
Teaching philosophy rooted in holistic education
At the heart of Mr. Kassim’s teaching philosophy lies a belief that education must nurture the total child. He emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication as essential skills for the 21st-century learner.
“My teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge,” he said. “It is about inspiring lifelong learning, fostering independence, and creating environments where every student feels valued and capable of excellence.”
His classrooms are known for their supportive atmosphere, high expectations, and innovative learning experiences that empower students to reach their full potential.
Innovative pedagogy and educational reforms
Mr. Kassim has distinguished himself as an educational innovator with the creation of groundbreaking tools such as the Master of Study Test (MOST), a mathematics confidence-building system, and the Progressive Advanced Support System (PASS), which streamlines continuous assessment and promotes active student participation.
He also authored the “Master of Study Analysis Handbook for WASSCE/NECO Candidates”, a comprehensive guide that demystifies Mathematics and supports students preparing for national examinations. Through these innovations, he has significantly enhanced student outcomes, making Mathematics more engaging and accessible.
Beyond his classroom, Mr. Kassim organizes periodic in-house seminars for teachers within Lagos State, fostering professional collaboration and promoting effective teaching practices. His Progressive Advanced Support System (PASS) has also been adopted by other educators as a model for continuous student evaluation.
Proven track record of academic excellence
The results of Kassim’s instructional innovations are evident in his students’ consistent performance in national examinations. Between 2020 and 2024, his students recorded over 95% average pass rate in Mathematics at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) – with 100% distinction rates achieved in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Mentorship and youth empowerment initiatives
Driven by compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility, Mr. Kassim has created several youth-oriented initiatives such as Leetitude Excellence Academy, Evergreen Tutorial Services, and Alpha Masters Team – platforms dedicated to mentoring students and training young educators.
Through his annual outreach programmes, he has provided free JAMB forms to over 90 indigent students in the last three years, along with free lessons and CBT training. His mentorship has inspired students who are now published authors, professional footballers, and youth ambassadors representing Lagos State at national levels.
He also organizes competitions like the Best Brains Contest and Young Managers’ Quiz Challenge, which encourage academic curiosity and leadership among students.
Leadership, collaboration, and professionalism
As a committed member of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and Microsoft Educator Centre, Mr. Kassim represents a new generation of digitally competent and globally minded teachers.
He has facilitated workshops on collaborative teaching, assessment strategies, and STEM integration in Nigerian schools. His leadership roles include serving as Branch Executive Member of NUT Epe (2021–2025) and Head of the Inter-House Sports Committee (2023).
He is also a recognized Teachers’ Ambassador under the Lagos State S.A.I.L Initiative, promoting innovative teaching and professional excellence.
Service to the community and humanity
Beyond academics, Mr. Kassim is a humanitarian and community advocate. He has led awareness campaigns on environmental conservation, hygiene promotion, and cultural preservation.
Through community service, he supports indigent pupils with educational materials and participates in periodic blood donation drives at the General Hospital, Epe.
In 2023, he addressed the Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC), championing youth inclusion in climate action. He has also partnered with scholars of Lagos State University on cultural and developmental advocacy programmes.
A vision for the future of education
Looking ahead, Mr. Kassim envisions an education system where every learner has access to quality, inclusive, and technology-driven instruction. His mission is to train the next generation of teachers to adopt innovative and student-centred practices that respond to global trends in education.
“I believe in an education that builds thinkers, not just learners,” he says. “My goal is to inspire teachers and students to dream bigger, learn better, and lead with purpose.”
His story remains an enduring testament to what passion, innovation, and faith-driven dedication can achieve in advancing Nigeria’s education sector. As Muslim News Nigeria’s Teacher of the Year (2024/2025), Mr. Kassim Yusuf Adegboyega stands as a beacon of excellence, a true nation-builder, and a symbol of hope for the future of learning in Africa.
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