Education remains the cornerstone of national development, and the role of private schools in nurturing the next generation cannot be overstated. In Nigeria, where access to quality education continues to face numerous challenges, some visionary institutions are setting new standards through innovation, discipline, and commitment to excellence. One of such schools is Nana Apori International School, a rapidly growing educational institution known for its dedication to academic advancement, moral development, and community impact.
In this exclusive interview, Clifford Ejenavi sit down with the Chairman of Nana Apori International School, Evang. Daniel Obeng Apori, who shares valuable insights into the school’s quality. Excerpts!
Thank you, sir, for granting this interview. Let’s begin with an overview of your school. What inspired the establishment of Nana Apori International School?
Thank you for having me. Nana Apori International School was founded on the belief that every child deserves quality, holistic education regardless of background. We wanted to create a learning environment that nurtures intellectual, moral, and creative potential. The inspiration came from our desire to build a generation of learners who can compete globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Education in Nigeria has faced many challenges, particularly at the foundational levels. What do you think are the major issues affecting nursery and primary education today?
The major challenges include inadequate infrastructure, low teacher motivation, poor curriculum implementation, and lack of modern learning tools. Many schools still operate traditional methods that do not prepare children for a technology-driven world. There’s also a gap in early childhood education awareness, parents sometimes underestimate the importance of quality nursery education.
How has Nana Apori International School been addressing these challenges?
We focus on innovation and quality assurance. Our classrooms are ICT-compliant, and we train teachers regularly in modern pedagogy and child psychology. We integrate moral instruction, creative arts, and digital literacy into our curriculum. We also maintain a low teacher-pupil ratio to ensure individual attention. Beyond academics, we emphasize character building, discipline, and leadership.
As Nigeria moves towards more computer-based learning, how is your school preparing students for the digital future?
We have introduced digital literacy from the primary level, with lessons in coding, robotics, and computer appreciation. Our students take part in digital competitions and online research projects. We want to ensure they are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators. We also train our teachers to use smart boards and e-learning platforms to enhance classroom delivery.
What’s your view on government policies on basic education, and what areas do you think need urgent attention?
The government has made efforts, especially through the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, but implementation remains weak. There’s a need for more monitoring, better teacher welfare, and increased investment in school infrastructure. Education should be treated as a national emergency. Also, public-private partnerships can make a big difference in bridging gaps, especially in rural areas.
How does your school measure success and impact?
We measure success not only by examination results but also by our students’ moral standards, confidence, and achievements after leaving us. Over the years, our graduates have consistently performed excellently in external examinations like WAEC and NECO. Many have gone on to secure scholarships and gain admission into top universities. We also track alumni performance to ensure continuous improvement.
What strategies would you recommend for advancing nursery, primary, and secondary education across Nigeria?
Teacher empowerment: Continuous professional training and better remuneration. Curriculum reform: Focus on creativity, critical thinking, and digital skills. Infrastructure development: Modern classrooms and access to ICT tools. Community involvement: Education must be a shared responsibility among parents, government, and schools. Monitoring and accountability: Strict supervision of both public and private schools to ensure standards are maintained.
How do you see the future of private education in Nigeria?
The future is promising but requires responsibility. Private schools must not only fill the gaps left by the public system but also uphold high standards and ethical values. Collaboration between schools, teachers, and policymakers is key. At Nana Apori International School, we envision a future where Nigerian children can compete globally, yet remain grounded in African values.
Sir, how prepared is Nana Apori International School for the introduction of the Computer-Based WASSCE by WAEC?
We are fully aware that the transition to the Computer-Based WASSCE is a major reform in Nigeria’s education assessment system, and Nana Apori International School is not taking it lightly. For over a year now, we have been integrating computer-based testing into our internal examinations and continuous assessments. Our students are already familiar with writing tests on computers, and our teachers have undergone several training sessions to guide them effectively through the new process.
What specific steps has the school taken to ensure students are ready for this new mode of examination?
We have established a fully functional ICT laboratory with over 50 internet-enabled computers to accommodate our senior students during mock tests. We also conduct weekly computer literacy classes and monthly simulated CB-WASSCE practice tests. Beyond that, we organize orientation programs for parents and students to understand the technical aspects of the exam from logging in to answering objective and theory questions digitally.
How are teachers being prepared to handle the new CB-WASSCE system?
Our teachers are the backbone of this preparation. They have received both internal and external training on digital assessment tools and how to design computer-based exam questions. We partnered with a certified ICT consultancy to train them on WAEC’s testing interface and computer troubleshooting. This ensures they can support students effectively before and during practice sessions.
Some schools have complained about electricity and internet challenges. How is your school addressing these issues?
We anticipated such challenges and took proactive steps. The school runs on a hybrid power system, the national grid, a standby generator, and solar backup. For internet connectivity, we use two reliable ISPs to ensure redundancy. This means even if one network goes down, the other takes over instantly, guaranteeing smooth online practice for our students.
What has been the reaction of students to this digital shift from paper to computer?
Initially, some students were anxious, especially those not used to computer-based exams. But after a few practice sessions, they became more confident and even excited. Today, most of them prefer the computer-based test format because it’s faster, interactive, and eliminates human marking errors. Their enthusiasm motivates us to keep improving.
How do you plan to support students who may not have personal computers at home for practice?
We have introduced an extended ICT lab access policy, which allows students to use the lab after school hours and during weekends. The school also offers free CBT practice sessions during holidays. In addition, we are encouraging parents to support their wards with basic computer tablets where possible.
Beyond infrastructure, what role do you think attitude and mindset play in preparing for the CB-WASSCE?
Attitude is everything. We emphasize to both students and teachers that digital literacy is not optional anymore, it’s the future. We constantly remind our learners that success in CB-WASSCE is not just about answering questions correctly but also about managing time and navigating technology confidently. That mindset shift is what we are building daily.
What message would you like to share with other schools yet to start preparing for the CB-WASSCE?
My message is simple: start now. The transition is inevitable, and waiting till the last minute will be costly. Schools should invest in ICT infrastructure, train their teachers, and expose students early to computer-based learning. At Nana Apori International School, we see CB-WASSCE as an opportunity to raise the standard of education, not as a challenge.
How confident are you that your students will excel in the first edition of CB-WASSCE?
Extremely confident. Our preparation has been comprehensive, technically, academically, and psychologically. We believe our students will not only perform excellently but also set a benchmark for others to follow. Nana Apori International School is ready for the future of digital examinations.
How would you describe the current state of the roads in Adiyan, especially the one leading to your school?
Frankly, the roads in Adiyan are in a deplorable condition. They are filled with potholes, erosion gullies, and in many places, almost impassable during the rainy season. The major access road that connects Adiyan to Agbado and other nearby areas has been neglected for years, making movement extremely difficult for residents, students, and staff alike.
How has the poor road network affected Nana Apori International School and the community at large?
The impact has been enormous. Many parents complain about the stress and risk involved in bringing their children to school, especially during heavy rains. Vehicles often break down, and sometimes our school buses can’t even access certain routes. It affects attendance, increases maintenance costs, and even discourages prospective parents from enrolling their children. Beyond the school, traders and local businesses are suffering too, goods can’t move easily, and transport fares have skyrocketed.
Have there been any interventions or promises from the government or local authorities to fix the roads?
We’ve heard several promises over the years, especially during election periods, but little to no action has been taken. The community has made numerous appeals to both the local and state governments, yet the roads remain the same. At some point, residents even tried self-help measures by contributing money to patch portions of the road, but that’s not sustainable.
What appeal would you like to make to the government and relevant authorities?
We are appealing to the Ogun State Government, the Ifo Local Government, the Federal Government and all relevant agencies to urgently rehabilitate the roads. The community deserves basic infrastructure. Our students, teachers, and residents deserve safe and accessible roads. Education and development can only thrive when infrastructure supports them.
What message do you have for the Adiyan community?
I want to encourage our people not to lose hope. Let’s keep speaking up peacefully and constructively until the right attention is given to our roads. Nana Apori International School remains committed to serving this community, and we’ll continue to do our best to contribute positively despite the challenges.
Any additional words?
My additional word is that good roads are not a luxury; they are a necessity for growth. I urge our leaders to act swiftly and fix the roads in Adiyan. The future of our children and the development of our community depend on it.
Finally, what message do you have for parents and stakeholders in education?
Parents should invest time, not just money, in their children’s education. Education goes beyond grades, it’s about nurturing character, curiosity, and competence. To stakeholders, I say: let’s join hands to rebuild the foundation of learning in Nigeria. The future of our nation depends on the quality of education we provide today.
