Barikisu Suleiman's journey in education has been transformative, marked by dedication and resilience leading to national recognition and the honoring of her profound impact on students. While she now holds the title of Best Primary Teacher for the 2023 Ghana Teacher Prize, the road that brought her here has been filled with experiences, challenges, and triumphs. In the face of common misperceptions about the teaching profession, Ms. Suleiman defied expectations through her passion to fully devote herself to nurturing students' growth and potential. The negativity that teachers’ true rewards lie only in the afterlife never dissuaded her commitment to making a real difference in the lives of children.

When nominations opened for the Ghana Teacher Prize, Ms. Suleiman initially hesitated to apply, doubting her chances. However, recalling the skills gained through training at the influential Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership and Service (JAGILS), she found the courage to submit her application. This decision launched unforeseen events that would fundamentally shape her path.

Notification to view the Ghana Teacher Prize launch seemed trivial at first. However, this prompted a sequence that led Ms. Suleiman through intensive interviews, symposiums, and ultimately to the awards ceremony at Ghana Secondary Technical School, where she was declared the Best Primary Teacher. This built upon earlier distinctions as 2010’s Best Primary Teacher in the Greater Accra Islamic Education Unit and 2022’s Best Teacher in Okaikwei North Municipal Education. While immensely honored by the prizes, Ms. Suleiman attributes her approach and success mainly to JAGILS’ transformative training. The institute cultivated vital skills, mindsets, and unwavering support that equipped her teaching and leadership practices.

Adding further prestige, His Eminence, National Chief Imam of Ghana, granted the title of Ambassador to the Muslim Ummah. Ms. Suleiman carries this duty with humility and wholehearted effort. Reflecting on her triumphs, Ms. Suleiman moves forward with an expanded commitment to shaping young minds and uplifting education. Her story spotlights teaching’s transformative power, JAGILS’ invaluable mentorship, and one educator’s resilient spirit to inspire.