Anthony Nwachukwu Isiani describes his entry into education as anything but planned. A graduate of mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, his career trajectory initially pointed toward the oil and gas sector. However, while serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he was assigned to teach mathematics at a Lagos secondary school. What began as a temporary assignment quickly became a life-changing experience. Isiani observed firsthand that many students harboured a deep-seated fear of mathematics, but with inventive approaches and persistent effort, he watched them transform into confident learners. This pivotal moment sparked a passion to reshape how students experience education, shifting his career path forever.
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Choosing Impact Over Industry
At 28, Isiani founded School Development Support International (SDS). Though he received tempting offers from the lucrative oil and gas industry, his time in the classroom made him realise that his true purpose was grounded in education. “I turned down several enticing opportunities because I wanted to create an environment that encourages learning and innovation,” Isiani revealed. His decision was bold yet deliberate: to leverage his engineering skills to make education more engaging and accessible.
Engineering Bright Minds: SDS’s Unique Approach
At SDS, Isiani leads a team that has developed more than nine locally designed educational solutions, all crafted with African school realities in mind. Here’s a snapshot of the toolkit:
- Ergonomic workstations: writing desks and chairs tailored for classroom dynamics.
- Interactive AV monitors: remote-controlled screens that bring lessons to life.
- Specialised lab setups: thoughtfully designed equipment for maths, biology, physics, and more.
- Playful learning zones: mini table-tennis courts to cultivate motor skills in preschoolers.
- Creative incubation labs: spaces where artistic and scientific ideas flourish together.
These innovations are not off-the-shelf imports. Instead, they’re crafted from the ground up, with a focus on **“seamless teaching”—**a pedagogical method embedded into the product design and experience.
The Seamless Teaching Method
Central to SDS’s philosophy is the Seamless Teaching Method—a holistic approach that integrates hardware design with curriculum needs. Each piece of equipment is custom-built to fulfil specific educational objectives:
- Needs evaluation: SDS identifies classroom pain points, like equipment shortages or disengaged learners.
- Design alignment: Engineers develop prototypes that align with cognitive goals.
- Pilot integration: Tools are tested in real classrooms, ensuring they meet both instructional and practical standards.
- Iterative refinement: Feedback from teachers and students guides improvements.
Isiani emphasises that once schools adopt SDS solutions, they rarely return to traditional setups, demonstrating the lasting trust and impact of their designs.
Bringing “Student Immortality” to Life
SDS recently introduced an ambitious concept: “Studentship to Immortality.” It redefines the learning ecosystem by interconnecting students, tutors, and parents through real-time monitoring tools. With this system:
- Up-to-date academic performance can be tracked digitally.
- Parents receive timely insights and remain actively involved.
- Learners gain confidence through self-monitoring capabilities.
Isiani believes this structure fosters both independence and mastery—it transforms students into lifelong learners capable of driving their own education.
Impact on Nigeria and Beyond
Since its founding nearly three decades ago, SDS has left a mark on hundreds of schools across Nigeria, and it’s expanding its vision across West Africa. Teachers report improved student engagement and comprehension, while school administrators see enhanced value from investment in infrastructure. No longer is SDS just a vendor—they’ve become strategic partners in educational development.
The Engineer’s Ethos: Innovation + Service
What sets Isiani apart isn’t just engineering prowess, but his human-centred ethos. As both engineer and educator, he believes his responsibility extends beyond creating gadgets. He’s a mentor, problem-solver, and visionary.
At one point, he resisted the urge to start his own school. Instead, he chose to support existing institutions—spreading solutions across classrooms and maximising impact. His philosophy is clear: Engineering solutions should elevate every learning environment, not just one structure.
Charting the Future: What Lies Ahead
Isiani’s path is far from over. SDS plans to:
- Scale Studentship to Immortality, helping more students and families integrate technology into learning.
- Expand R&D, tailoring tools for emerging educational needs across science and arts.
- Establish partnerships with governmental bodies and development agencies to broaden reach.
Ultimately, Isiani’s vision is to ignite a movement where Africa leads in educational innovation, driven by locally engineered solutions.
Why This Matters
In a global context where educational tools are often imported, SDS stands as a powerful countermodel: innovation that is contextual, affordable, and scalable. Engineering isn’t just about constructing engines—it’s about designing learning experiences.
A Call to Educators, Policymakers, and Engineers
Isiani’s journey offers valuable lessons:
- Educators can explore integrating design thinking into teaching methods.
- Policy planners can support local innovation and scale solutions across school systems.
- Engineers and entrepreneurs can unite to bridge design gaps in public services.
Anthony Nwachukwu Isiani’s journey proves that engineering skills, human empathy, and educational insight, when combined, can yield transformative change. By refusing to accept the status quo, SDS demonstrates how local innovation can redefine learning, starting in Lagos and echoing across the continent.
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