Ministry of Education Leads Liberia to Continental Victory as Allen A. Thomas Wins AU Best Teacher Award for West Africa

Ministry of Education Leads Liberia to Continental Victory as Allen A. Thomas Wins AU Best Teacher Award for West Africa

Monrovia, Liberia | September 12, 2025

The Ministry of Education is proud to announce a landmark achievement for Liberia: Mr. Allen A. Thomas, a veteran Physics teacher at Tappeh Memorial High School in Tappita, Nimba County, has been named the 2025 African Union Continental Best Teacher Award Winner for the West Africa Region.

This award represents more than an individual honor. It is a continental recognition of Liberia’s teachers, schools, and communities and a testament to the nation’s progress under the leadership of Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah.

Mr. Thomas is widely celebrated for his innovative, hands-on approach to STEM education and for founding the Best Teacher Initiative, which mentors and trains rural teachers to strengthen learning outcomes in underserved communities.

His recognition follows a rigorous, merit-based nomination process led by the Ministry of Education, ensuring that Liberia’s finest educators are identified, supported, and elevated onto regional and global platforms.

“This is a phenomenal national moment,” said Minister Jallah. “Mr. Thomas chose to teach, and through that choice, he has lifted a nation. His win is proof that education is the bridge to healing, unity, and transformation.”

The Minister commended the African Union for its transparent selection process and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing teacher development, professional standards, and education equity. Ongoing reforms such as the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Teacher Licensing and Accreditation are helping restore dignity to the teaching profession and ensure lasting impact.

Mr. Thomas, who was also Liberia’s 2023 National Best Teacher Award winner and a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, expressed gratitude to the Ministry, his school community, and national stakeholders:

“Teaching is a national calling. This award belongs to every Liberian teacher who, despite limited resources, remains committed to shaping the future.”

Education stakeholders present, including AU officials, the National Teachers Association, and the Principals Association, hailed the award as a collective victory for Liberia and praised the Government for placing education at the center of national development and peacebuilding.

For credible updates on reforms and milestones in Liberia’s education sector, follow the Ministry of Education – Liberia on Facebook, visit www.moeliberia.com, or call the MoE Hotline at 1416.

The African Union Continental Teacher Award honors educators who demonstrate innovation, inclusion, and community impact. Liberia’s 2025 success sends a clear message: when education is prioritized and when teachers are empowered, transformation follows.