KEY Academy makes history as first Nigerian school shortlisted for world’s best school prize in innovation
KEY Academy, a Lagos-based school focused on project-based learning, has been named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2025 World’s Best School Prize in the Innovation category. This marks the first time a school from Nigeria or West Africa has been shortlisted in this category.
“We’re honoured to be recognised on the global stage. This moment is not just about us. It’s a moment for Nigeria and all of West Africa to be proud of what’s possible in our education system,” said Damilola Okonkwo, Founder of KEY Academy. “This nomination affirms what we’ve always believed – that children in Nigeria deserve world-class, 21st-century project-based education rooted in innovation and community.”
The World’s Best School Prizes, organised by T4 Education, recognise schools creating meaningful impact in their communities. The Innovation category highlights schools that are changing teaching and learning in ways that can influence systems.
Beyond the classroom, KEY Academy is also working to spread its methods across the country. It is developing a digital teacher training and accreditation platform, and producing educational books, content, and events. Recently, the school hosted ChessMasters, a chess tournament that brought together over 500 students from more than 100 schools. The tournament was used as a platform to help students strengthen their problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
The school’s curriculum integrates STEM, sustainability, arts, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests, work on collaborative projects, and develop skills that go beyond the classroom. KEY Academy plans to expand its model by launching a new 15,000 sqm secondary school campus and innovation hub in 2027.
Established in 2019, KEY Academy offers a learning model built around real-world applications. The school’s approach includes teamwork, hands-on projects, mentorship, and community-based learning. Its aim is to shift away from traditional memorisation and move towards teaching children how to think, question, and solve problems.
As a finalist, KEY Academy will be profiled globally and is now in the running for a cash prize to further its work. Public voting is now open for the Community Choice Award on the World’s Best School Prizes website.
