Discover how we’re transforming education in Nigeria to nurture changemakers with 21st-century skills
"Young minds can drive meaningful change when equipped with the right tools and opportunities."
Damilola Okonkwo, Founder of KEY academy
I recently returned from Helsinki, where I had the privilege of speaking at the HundrED Innovation Summit. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase the transformative work we’re doing at KEY academy alongside global education leaders, including Finland’s Education Minister, Anders Adlercreutz. I shared how we are redefining education in Nigeria - driving change beyond the classroom through our school and our broader initiatives in teacher training, accreditation, publishing, digital content, and policy reform. These initiatives reflect our vision to revolutionise the approach to education in Nigeria, equipping the next generation with the 21st century skills they need to change the world.
When discussing education in Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, the focus often centres on access, understandably so, as it’s the foundation for ensuring every child can attend school. However, an equally urgent but often overlooked issue is quality. Access opens the door; quality determines what happens next. A transformative approach that prioritises high-quality, relevant, and empowering learning experiences is essential.
Interestingly, project-based learning (PBL) isn’t new to Nigeria. Systems like the apprenticeship model in South Eastern Nigeria, which dates back centuries, embody the principles of PBL. This heritage underscores the need to contextualise innovative methods to align with our unique culture and challenges. At KEY academy, we’ve embraced this by creating an education model that equips young Nigerians to become changemakers.
The Makoko project: empowerment through learning
An impactful example of project-based learning at KEY academy was our Makoko Clean and Green project. Makoko, a vibrant, but very low-income community in Lagos, faces systemic challenges despite its strengths in fishing and small-scale trading. For our Buds (students aged 7-9), the question was: “How can we, as young people, create innovative solutions to enhance how the people of Makoko live and work?”
Guided by their co-learners and subject matter experts, our students explored engineering, environmental science, and social innovation. They developed sustainable solutions - from solar-powered prototypes to ideas for better waste management - while gaining a deeper understanding of real-world challenges. This project was more than an academic exercise; it was a powerful lesson in empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. It also reinforced a critical belief – young minds can drive meaningful change.
Learning from experts
To bring the Makoko project to life, we partnered with subject matter experts who mentored the students throughout the term. This is a hallmark of our approach to project-based learning. Imagine being just seven years old and collaborating with an engineer to design a floating home. This kind of hands-on, immersive learning is exactly what we strive for at KEY academy.
These partnerships enrich the learning experience and expose students to career paths and skill sets they may never have considered. It’s one thing to learn about solar energy in a textbook; it’s entirely different to co-create a working prototype with someone who builds sustainable solutions for a living. The process was transformative, helping our students see their ideas come to life while building critical skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience.
Building 21st-century skills
Our projects are carefully designed to develop essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. For example, the Makoko project integrated core academic subjects like literacy and numeracy with higher-order skills like problem-solving and decision-making. This holistic approach ensures our students are well-rounded and prepared to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and competence.
By working with subject matter experts and tackling real-world challenges, our students learn to ask the right questions, approach problems with a solutions-oriented mindset, and embrace adaptability. These skills are vital for thriving in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world.
The bigger picture: developing changemakers
Every project at KEY academy is a stepping stone towards shaping empathetic problem-solvers and innovative thinkers. From as young as three or four, our students are encouraged to think critically about the world around them and believe in their ability to create meaningful solutions. Whether it’s reimagining sustainable living in Makoko or addressing other community challenges, we aim to nurture individuals who are passionate about their communities and empowered to drive sustainable development.
Our vision is to develop a generation of Nigerians who are not just prepared for the future but are actively shaping it. By the time our students complete their journey at KEY academy, creating change is no longer a daunting task; it’s simply who they are.
In conclusion
Project-based learning is at the heart of what we do at KEY academy. By adapting PBL to Nigeria’s unique context, we offer an education that is both relevant and empowering. Every project is an opportunity to foster innovation, empathy, and problem-solving skills - qualities that are essential for building a better Nigeria and beyond.
I invite you to watch the full video of my talk at the HundrED Innovation Summit on our YouTube channel to learn more about our journey and how we’re nurturing changemakers through transformative education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGZmmkJSSi8
It’s a long road ahead, but we are committed to the journey!
Damilola Okonkwo is the founder of KEY academy, a world class project based school redefining education for children aged 18 months to 18 years.
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