A Palestinian educator at Al-Bureij Camp in Gaza, Palestine, Naglaa Weshah, has emerged the Global Muslim Teacher of the Year 2024/2025 by Muslim News Nigeria, in recognition of her unwavering dedication to education and resilience under siege in Gaza.
The announcement was made in Lagos, Nigeria on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Publisher of the newspaper and Convener or the Award, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, as part of the annual #MNAwards, which honours outstanding Muslim professionals making positive impacts in their fields, often amid great adversity.
During the two years of the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, Weshah’s school became a shelter for families fleeing the bombs. It was later targeted and completely destroyed.
Alhaji Abubakar noted that it is on record that Israel did not only kill over 70,000 Palestinians, including children and women, the occupation forces also destroyed homes, offices, media houses, factories, and educational facilities.
Despite the massive destruction of Gaza, a few teachers, volunteers, and nonprofit organisations, including the likes of Naglaa Weshah, did not give up. They continued to show resilience.
“Naglaa, along with others, converted tents, damaged classrooms, and overcrowded shelters into makeshift learning spaces to teach the students,” Alhaji Abubakar noted.
The forty year old mother of three recently told The Guardian (UK) in an interview that education became an act of defiance for her, as a way to say, “We are still here.” She added, “And so long as we continue learning, we will remain.”
Alhaji Abubakar described Weshah as a spirit of resistance, sacrifice, and commitment to education, especially in the most difficult circumstances, saying, “Her classroom has become a shelter of hope for Gaza’s children, many of whom have been orphaned or displaced.”
Abubakar congratulated Weshah and her team, saying the recognition is not only for her teaching, but for “her courage, compassion, faith and undying spirit in the power of knowledge, even in the face of genocide.”
Naglaa Weshah began her teaching career over ten years ago, first in Khan Younis, then in Deir al-Balah, and now in Al-Bureij camp, located in the central Gaza Strip. Before the war began, she taught six classes, each with about 40 students.
The convener also mourned all instructors and educators who lost their lives during the genocidal war that is still ongoing, praying to the Almighty to forgive them for their shortcomings.
About Muslim News Nigeria:
Founded in 2018, Muslim News Nigeria is a leading faith-based media platform that reaches an estimated 120–135 million Muslims in Nigeria (approximately 56% of the population). Through consistent reporting, in-depth features, and the #MNAwards, the organisation amplifies Muslim voices and achievements — ensuring fair representation and global engagement. For more information, visit www.muslimnews.com.ng. or Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_News_Nigeria
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
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