KEY (Keep Educating Yourself) Academy has been named a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, in recognition of its revolutionary approach to education through a project-based learning model. The independent primary and secondary school was selected for its efforts in equipping students with critical thinking, creativity, and 21st-century problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The World’s Best School Prizes were established by global education organisation T4 Education following the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to share best practices from schools that are making significant impacts both in and beyond the classroom. The prizes are awarded in five categories: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. Winners will be selected by an expert judging academy based on strict criteria.
In addition to the five category winners, all 50 finalist schools are also eligible for a Community Choice Award, which will be decided by a public vote that opened recently. All six winners will be announced in October.
Finalists and winners will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, scheduled to hold between November 15 and 16. At the summit, they will have the opportunity to share their unique experiences and strategies with policymakers and global education leaders.
Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, Vikas Pota, described the current global landscape as increasingly uncertain, shaped by technological disruption, climate change, poverty, conflict and other pressing issues. He stressed that quality education, with a human-centred focus, is more essential than ever before. Pota commended KEY Academy for its forward-thinking educational model, saying the school represents hope for a better future and offers valuable lessons for institutions worldwide.
Driven by the belief that simply placing children in classrooms is not enough, KEY Academy has developed a structured project-based learning (PBL) framework that reflects Nigeria’s unique culture and context. The school’s approach balances academic rigour with creative exploration. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through inquiry-based projects instead of traditional instruction. Learners engage in collaborative work with professionals across various fields to tackle real-world challenges, while parents are integrated into the process through workshops, open classrooms, and student exhibitions.
The impact of this approach is evident, with 95 percent of students at KEY Academy demonstrating advanced critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, 85 percent of students show increased confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and leadership. The school’s recognition as a global finalist highlights its dedication to reimagining education and setting a new standard for learning in Nigeria and beyond.
