The first edition of the School & Office Expo (SCOFEX), held in May 2025 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, brought renewed attention to the availability and role of creative learning tools in Nigeria’s education system.

The three-day event featured international stationery brands, educational technology firms, school supply distributors, and policymakers, with discussions focused on integrating creativity into teaching and learning.

Stephen Nzurum, Chief Executive Officer of SFi Africa Brands, a distributor of educational and creative materials across West Africa, including Crayola products, said the expo created a platform to address long-standing gaps. “SCOFEX opened the door to conversations we’ve long needed in Nigeria — about the role creativity plays in academic and emotional development,” he said. “Events like this give us the chance to connect brands with the people shaping the future of education.”

A Crayola-commissioned study referenced during the event indicated that 92% of children aged 6–12 believe creativity increases their confidence. Many respondents also linked creative activities to happiness, pride, and problem-solving abilities.

Nzurum said the findings point to the importance of diversifying classroom resources. “If we want to prepare students for the future, we need to start thinking beyond textbooks. Art, music, and creative expression must become core parts of our learning model,” he said.

The expo drew educators, procurement officials, and government representatives, with exhibitors showcasing school supplies, digital tools, and creative kits. Organisers said the event aimed to improve access to modern learning resources, particularly in under-resourced schools.

Nzurum noted that the education sector’s ongoing investments should include provisions for creative materials alongside conventional teaching aids, stating that such tools are essential for developing problem-solving skills and innovation among students.