‘I want to make a difference in the world of children and educators’

Banke Oki-Balogun is an exceptional educator with an unwavering passion for empowering young minds and transforming education. With a remarkable lineage of educators in her family, she continues the legacy of inspiring and nurturing learners.
Armed with a Masters in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), and a distinction in Master of Public Administration from Queen Mary University of London, Banke is recognised as an authority in the field of education. Her expertise and contributions have earned her a well-deserved Ph.D. scholarship from Queen Mary, University of London.
Banke’s journey in education began at a young age when she discovered her talent for teaching by tutoring younger children. This early experience ignited her passion and set the stage for a remarkable career in education. She extends her impact beyond the classroom, sharing insights through articles and serving on the board of the renowned Christhill Schools, actively contributing to their development and success.
Banke’s true innovation lies in the creation of Naijatutors Konnect, a groundbreaking online platform that harnesses the power of technology to connect exceptional Nigerian tutors with students across different geographical regions. Through Naijatutors Konnect, she empowers educators and ensures that children, regardless of their physical location, receive the academic support they deserve. Banke’s unwavering dedication to bridging the educational divide is revolutionising the field.
She understands the unique challenges faced by immigrant students as they navigate changing curricula and adapts to new learning methods. Drawing from her own experiences, she is committed to providing the necessary support for a seamless transition and continuity in their education.
In this Interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her inspiring story.

Childhood Influence
Without a doubt, my childhood has been the bedrock of my present self. Growing up surrounded by a deep reverence for education, it’s no wonder that teaching and learning are etched into the very fabric of my being. With a lineage of educators spanning generations and my mother’s fulfilling career as an esteemed educator, my roots in the field run deep. The impact of my formative years is undeniable. One chapter, in particular, stands out with vivid clarity. During my time at Queen’s College as a teenager, my parents established a school. While others went on summer adventures abroad, my summers were devoted to my parent’s school; teaching small classes, assisting teachers and serving as the voice of the school, engaging with parents who sought guidance on their children’s education. Immersed in this nurturing environment, I witnessed the growth and transformation of countless students, accompanying them from their earliest educational steps to their pursuit of higher education.

Along this journey, I matured and evolved from an eager assistant in a modest 50-student school to an informed advocate, shaping policies in a chain of schools serving thousands. This intimate exposure to my family’s educational enterprise acquainted me with the realities and challenges faced by parents, encompassing social, biological, psychological and physical aspects of their children’s learning experiences.

With a passion for learning already coursing through my veins, interwoven with my heritage, I always sensed that my life’s purpose was intimately connected to education. Yet, the exact form it would take remained uncertain. And here I stand today, living my inherent dream, with every life and work experience converging to forge a future dedicated to the transformative power of education.

The inspiration behind Naijatutors Konnect
The story of Naijatutors is a journey of faith and resilience, guided by God. Witnessing high student failure rates left me with an overwhelming desire to make a difference. At just 14 years old, I was filled with questions: What would become of these struggling students? Would their dreams be crushed? I yearned to help but felt powerless to change their circumstances.

Life took me on diverse paths, from Queen’s College to the University of Lagos, and a successful career at GTBank. However, in 2015, an unexpected door closed, serving as a powerful course correction toward my true calling. I embarked on a journey to England, pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration and delving deeper into the field of Education and International Development at the Institute of Education, University College London. It was there that I uncovered the root causes behind educational failures I had witnessed earlier on in my life  –teachers facing disenfranchisement, low morale, inadequate pay, and a lack of recognition for their invaluable contributions. Driven by an unwavering determination to make a difference, I conceived the vision of My Tutor and I (MTI) in 2018 – a platform designed to empower teachers with better compensation, career advancement and the recognition they deserved.

I was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship but life dealt me another unexpected blow, prompting a move from England to Canada. With my daughter falling behind due to the educational disruptions caused by the virus and the sheer impact of relocating from country to country, I sought tutoring solutions. Opting for online tutoring, I interviewed Nigerian teachers, including those from my family-owned school. To my astonishment, I discovered incredible teachers who dedicatedly helped my daughter. Inspired by this experience, I shared the concept with friends, and their enthusiasm mirrored my own.

A profound realisation struck me: why not connect the finest Nigerian teachers with parents seeking educational support? This endeavour would not only instill Nigerian values of learning in our children but also empower teachers and elevate the teaching profession. And thus, Naijatutors Konnect was born.

In hindsight, the door had to close at GTBank and in the United Kingdom to pave the way for my journey to Canada—a land of opportunity where my dream could finally take root. The unique immigration landscape in Canada, which many young Nigerian families found themselves navigating, provided the fertile ground for my idea to bloom. Opportunity met preparation as I embraced my destined path, and I am profoundly grateful to God for guiding me through this remarkable journey and to my husband, who has been my greatest encourager and sounding board every step of the way, especially when the road was steep and painful.

Challenges
In our line of work, we encounter various challenges, but one significant hurdle is effectively promoting our mission and gaining widespread support. The tutoring market is fiercely competitive, and amidst this landscape, we strive to address two crucial issues. Firstly, we are dedicated to promoting our exceptional Nigerian teachers, showcasing their expertise and creating opportunities for their professional growth.

Secondly, we are deeply committed to empowering students to thrive academically, particularly those who have experienced the complexities of transitioning between countries due to their parents’ migration plans. However, in this era of social media dominance, we continue to seek the elusive “magic bullet” that will enable us to reach a broader audience and convey the importance of our cause. It is essential for people to understand not only why we do what we do but also to join us in creating a meaningful impact. Our vision holds the power to transform lives and education, and we are determined to find innovative ways to share this message with the world. By overcoming the challenges of visibility and effectively communicating our purpose, we aspire to create a lasting legacy and positively shape the tutoring landscape.

How her work inspires other women around her
My work serves as a powerful inspiration to women around me, evident in the numerous parents who reach out to discuss their children’s hopes, aspirations and their desire for our support in shaping their success. Additionally, I act as an advisor to many women venturing into their own projects, start-ups and new businesses, offering words of encouragement and sharing insights to help them navigate potential pitfalls and avoid the mistakes I made during my own journey. Through these interactions, I empower and uplift fellow women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.

Other projects and activities
At present, our primary focus is on the growth and development of our brand. While we do not currently have any other ongoing projects, we are dedicated to expanding our reach and impact. In line with the summer season, we have launched a unique Online Summer Learning Programme that offers a combination of educational and engaging activities. Our programme aims to provide practical yet competitive classes that stimulate and inspire our students during the summer break.

Looking ahead, our immediate plans revolve around organising a tutor recruitment fair. This event will serve as a platform to onboard 100 of Nigeria’s finest tutors who possess online tutoring skills across various states. We are determined to seek out these talented individuals, promote their expertise and celebrate their contributions. By establishing a rigorous tutor selection process, we aim to position ourselves as the preferred organisation for securing top-notch tutoring services.

Two women who inspire her 
Omotunde Lawson, my mother, educator per excellence has been my guiding light from a young age. She has instilled a level of discipline and a can-do attitude that has paved the way for me to excel. She has achieved many feats and many firsts in her career including being the District Governor of District 9110 Nigeria, making history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position in 42 years. As an educator, she held the position of the president of all principals in Lagos State and was nominated for various awards including the best teacher award in Lagos state. She inspires me to want to do more and exceed my own limits.

Michelle Obama. She has consistently demonstrated grace, intelligence and resilience throughout her life and career. As the former First Lady of the United States, she used her platform to advocate for similar causes in education. Michelle Obama’s dedication to empowering young people, particularly through her initiatives like Let Girls Learn and Reach Higher, resonates with the mission of nurturing and supporting students. Her commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunities aligns with the values of creating a positive impact in education. Additionally, Michelle Obama’s ability to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles and maintain a strong sense of authenticity and compassion is one I can fully relate to.

One thing she wishes to change in the education sector in Nigeria and Canada
One crucial aspect I wish I could change within the Nigerian education space is the curriculum. The existing curriculum falls short in meeting the demands of our fast-paced, technology-driven world. Consequently, key areas of education that are vital for rebuilding our nation are neglected. By embracing innovative approaches, we can integrate technology-enabled learning experiences, nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster creativity and collaboration.

This transformation will empower individuals to explore unconventional career paths beyond the traditional fields of medicine, law, teaching and accounting, opening up new opportunities for growth and success.

Within the realm of Canadian education, a vast array of learning opportunities awaits. However, one area demands improvement. The absence of competitive learning and selective exams hinders our students’ capacity to fully unleash their unique talents and capabilities. Consequently, many settle for average performance levels, falling short of their global peers who encounter similar learning environments. In today’s interconnected world, fostering a culture of healthy competition becomes crucial, igniting a flame within students to surpass their limits and strive for academic excellence.

How parents can support fast-learning kids
Parents who are lucky enough to have fast-learning kids have a crucial role to play in the continuous nurturing of their curiosity and exploration by offering a wide range of educational resources, books, and activities that challenge their intellect. More importantly is the need to communicate their expectations to their educators to ensure the child’s pace is not slowed down. Engage them in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, competitions or workshops that align with their interests and allow them to expand their skills for well-rounded development.

Being a woman of rubies
I am the embodiment of a woman of rubies, driven by an unwavering passion to make a lasting difference in the world of children and educators. Shaped by life experiences, exceptional preparedness and a commitment to continuous self-improvement, I embarked on a transformative journey that led me to establish Naijatutors Konnect. With unwavering determination and commitment to learning, I epitomise the qualities of a woman of rubies –strength, resilience and an unwavering passion for creating positive impacts in the lives of others. My story serves as a testament to the remarkable power of individuals who fearlessly pursue their passions and transform the world around them.