‘My experience as a public school teacher serves as inspiration behind my initiatives’

Adeola Adefemi, a dedicated public school teacher since 2013, currently serves as the Principal Education Officer at Keke Senior High School in Lagos. Renowned for her commitment to quality education and safe learning environments, Adeola advocates for inclusive learning and collaborative education. As a Fulbright Fellow, Global Teacher Prize Ambassador and Global Partner Exchange Fellow, she founded Girls Allowed Hub and Every Child Counts Club. Adeola, a Distinguished Judge for The Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition, is also the convener of the Secure Your Future Campaign.

Her mentorship has led students to triumph in over 150 competitions. Adeola has received numerous awards, including the JCI Outstanding Young Person in Nigeria, Best Teacher in Lagos and Nigeria, and the Best Teacher in Africa (African Union Continental Teachers Award). In 2021, she was recognised as one of the Top 50 Teachers in the World by the Global Teacher Prize and is the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year.

Adeola actively contributes to academic discourse, presenting papers at conferences and summits. Beyond teaching, she is an avid reader and an accomplished scriptwriter that has written/directed over 50 plays and poems. Her extensive pursuit of knowledge is reflected in over a hundred international certifications, showcasing her commitment to continuous professional growth and expertise in the field. In this interview, she shares her story with ESTHER IJEWERE.

Childhood influence
MY childhood had a profound influence on my work. I detested school as a child due to unbearable events that marked that period of my life. In response to those challenges, I made a promise to effect change as a teacher, taking lessons from my experience. These childhood experiences continue to shape and inform the initiatives I undertake today, particularly in my commitment to making my classroom a safe haven for every child.

Key moments in my public school journey
My journey as a public school teacher has been marked by key moments that shaped my approach to education. Transitioning from broadcasting, I learned the importance of excelling in the system to drive change. Securing funds for projects posed challenges, but I focused on bringing people together and leveraging free online tools. Despite obstacles, initiatives like the ‘Child Not Bride’ campaign and ‘Girls Allowed Hub’ empowered over 3,000 girls. I have seen students excel in competitions, and winning awards like JCI Outstanding Young Person in Nigeria and Best Teacher in Nigeria and Africa validates the impact of my vision and determination.

Women who inspire her
The three women who inspire me are Mrs. Rukmini Banerji, the CEO of Pratham Education Foundation; Barrister Titi Solarin, the former Tutor General/Permanent Secretary in District 1, Lagos State; and Mrs. Lucy Omoaka, the Director of Comprehensive Schools in Lagos State.
Mrs. Banerji’s practical solutions to improve learning outcomes, particularly in her role at Pratham, have left a lasting impact on my educational philosophy. Barrister Solarin’s dedication to ensuring quality education with the use of parents’ involvement, and Mrs. Omoaka’s passionate advocacy for providing children with the most beautiful learning experience, collectively shape my commitment to transformative and student-centered education. These outstanding women highlight the importance of dedication, practical solutions and genuine love for children in creating positive change in the field of education and beyond.

Overcoming challenges as a Principal Education Officer
I believe the most pressing challenge every educator, including myself, faces is adapting to the evolving educational landscape, including the integration of new technologies and methodologies. To overcome this, I prioritise professional development for myself and keep a circle of teachers who keep me on my toes. Together, we ensure we stay abreast of advancements and implement effective strategies.

Additionally, fostering a collaborative work environment poses its own set of challenges. I address this by promoting open communication channels and involving parents, colleagues and students in decision-making processes. By addressing these challenges head-on, I have been able to ensure the sustained success of my students and create a positive and enriching learning environment.

Exploring motivations and impact: initiatives such as Girls Allowed Hub and Every Child Counts Club
My experiences, first as a public school student and now as a public school teacher, serve as the driving force behind my initiatives. These projects are aimed at creating a positive and empowering learning environment for every child I encounter. Having navigated the challenges of being a public school student myself, I understand the importance of fostering a sense of adequacy and belief in one’s potential.

Through Girls Allowed Hub, I strive to empower girls, offering them a space that provides opportunities and support for them to have a voice and excel in their education. My other initiatives focus on inclusion, instilling confidence and a love for learning in every student. My ultimate goal is for every child entering my classroom to experience an environment that fosters self-belief and ensures their educational success.

Reflecting on career fulfillment
The most fulfilling aspect of my career is witnessing the transformative journey of my students. From initially being labelled as underperforming, they have triumphed by winning over 150 local and international competitions, excelling in both internal and external examinations. It is particularly rewarding to see students, once unknown, now earning scholarships to pursue tertiary education within and outside Nigeria. Their progress not only reflects the impact of dedicated teaching but also fuels my ongoing commitment to education. The success stories of my students remind me of the impact education can have on individual lives and broader communities.

The significance of Girls Allowed Hub and the role of education in achieving gender equality
As the founder of Girls Allowed Hub, I am deeply committed to empowering young girls because I believe education is the key to achieving gender equality. To quote Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Empowering girls through education not only transforms individual lives but also contributes significantly to dismantling gender disparities. Education gives girls the knowledge, skills and confidence to break societal barriers, pursue their aspirations and participate fully in all aspects of life. Girls Allowed Hub seeks to create a space where girls can access educational opportunities, develop their voices and overcome challenges. By investing in the education of young girls, we pave the way for a more equitable and just society, aligning with the broader goal of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Goal 5-  Gender Equality.

Effective strategies for building inclusive learning environments in a dynamic educational landscape
I believe employing a range of strategies is crucial to creating inclusive learning environments for students with diverse needs. Every child has a unique learning style and understanding individual learning styles and abilities is fundamental for an inclusive education experience. Also, implementing flexible teaching methods allows for personalised instruction tailored to each student’s requirements.

In my opinion, technology plays the most important role in fostering inclusivity. Integrating assistive technologies and adaptive learning tools helps address diverse students’ needs effectively. Besides, incorporating a variety of assessment methods, such as project-based assessments and feedback, ensures a more comprehensive understanding of students’ progress, going beyond traditional measures.

In addition, adaptive spaces, both physical and virtual, are essential in accommodating diverse needs. It is not one size fits all; hence, educators must create classrooms that are easily adaptable to different learning styles and provide a supportive online environment. By combining these strategies and innovations, we can build inclusive learning environments that cater to the unique needs of every student, fostering a culture of diversity and ensuring that each learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Being a Woman of Rubies
I am a Woman of Rubies because I define resilience. I have gone against all odds to create and break records in a short time doing what I am passionate about. I have not allowed my experiences as a child to derail me, but I have used them to shape my commitment to transforming education. What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. From initiatives like Girls Allowed Hub to Every Child Counts Club, I have demonstrated a dedication to fostering positive change.

My story is one of overcoming challenges. Even with limited resources, I have changed the status quo.

Through my journey, I aspire to inspire others by showcasing the power of quality education. I want to convey that regardless of background or circumstances, one can make a significant impact. By sharing my story, advocating for quality education, and fostering inclusive environments, I aim to empower individuals to believe in their capabilities and contribute to positive change in the world because the change you desire begins with one person – YOU!