In a proud moment for Nigeria’s education sector, a leading Lagos-based institution has earned a place among the Top 10 finalists in the prestigious 2025 World’s Best School Prizes. Organised by T4 Education, this global recognition shines a spotlight on schools driving transformational practices—not only within classrooms, but across their wider communities.
The school, known as KEY Education Academy (Keep Educating Yourself), caters to both primary and secondary learners and stands out for its holistic approach to education, significant investment in staff welfare, innovation in teaching methods, and robust community partnerships. It also empowers students with leadership skills, promotes inclusive learning, and fosters a culture of empathy and responsibility. The World’s Best School Prizes aim to recognise excellence across five categories—community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity, and healthy lives, making TOP 10 status a testament to excellence in education.
What makes KEY stand out
From the onset, KEY’s philosophy has gone well beyond academics. Faculty and students engage actively with nearby communities: they organise health outreaches, mentor youths, and run environmental initiatives such as tree planting and recycling campaigns. These efforts exemplify community collaboration, a core Prize criterion.
The school has also been praised for its innovative additions to standard teaching. Digital platforms and e-learning tools enable personalised student experiences, while professional development workshops help teachers adopt creative lesson delivery. This modern, learner-centred approach aligns KEY closely with the innovation category.
Leadership at KEY prioritises mental health and extracurricular enrichment. Students benefit from robust counselling services, sports programs, and wellness clubs—key elements under supporting healthy lives. These measures ensure students are intellectually and emotionally supported.
Global selection—what it means for KEY
Being selected from thousands of submissions worldwide is no small feat. T4 Education’s awards follow a rigorous longlisting and vetting process, with prize-winners to be named in late 2025. As one of just ten schools globally shortlisted, KEY gains access to a powerful network of global peers and educators.
This nomination elevates Nigeria’s educational standing on the world stage. Drawing attention from philanthropies, governments, and international investors, it highlights the nation’s ability to cultivate globally competitive learning ecosystems grounded in student and teacher well-being.
There’s more to come: each of the five category winners will receive a cash prize alongside a fully-funded membership in the “Best School to Work” network—an initiative guiding schools to improve culture and workplace environment. A public vote across the shortlist will determine an additional “Community Choice Award,” feeding into T4 Education’s ongoing outreach and resource-sharing programme.
What’s next, and why this matters
KEY is now rallying support via a public vote campaign ahead of the final announcement. But beyond the prize, the school’s journey has already sparked broader benefits. It has inspired neighbouring schools to invest in teacher training, enrich school-community linkages, and integrate digital learning platforms—all hallmarks of a ripple effect.
If KEY clinches the top spot in its category, it will not only secure recognition but also gain greater capacity to implement impactful initiatives across Lagos and beyond. The prize money—even if shared—promises to further strengthen staff development, update student support facilities, enhance learning resources, and deepen ties with community partners.
In a country like Nigeria, where educational challenges range from resource shortages to teacher retention issues, KEY’s nomination represents more than a school success story. It is evidence of what is possible when visionary leadership, committed educators, and engaged communities unite behind a shared purpose.
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