Sustaining A Safe and Healthy Learning Environment in Nigeria

The expansion of Alice Pride Classic Court School was built on a long-term vision to ensure that students could learn in a safe and healthy environment that allows them to make the most of their education. When the school was first established in 2012, there were only 5 learners and 6 educators. Over a decade later, the school has grown to serve 150 Pre-Primary and Primary students through a dedicated team of 17 teachers.
 
“Our goal was never just to expand; we wanted to invest in an environment that nurtures the whole child, prioritising their physical and emotional wellbeing”, explained Oyeduntan Faderere Abosede, School Proprietor.

With the support of Opportunity International EduFinance’s School Leadership Professional Development (SLPD) program, the school worked towards addressing the root causes of issues such as student absenteeism and underperformance. School leaders participated in training sessions to develop strategies for improving hygiene standards, behaviour management and child protection, to ensure these values became a core component of the school’s culture. 

As a result, two formal policies were introduced to establish clear expectations for teaching staff, students and their families. The Behaviour Management Policy (BMP) and Child Protection Policy (CPP) were implemented and explained throughout the school to ensure that everyone was aware and aligned in creating a more respectful and nurturing school environment. 

"The training helped us see that student well-being is foundational to academic success. We now have clear expectations, and everyone understands their role in creating a respectful and nurturing environment”, said Oyeduntan Faderere Abosede, School Proprietor.

In addition to the new policies, the school invested in a reliable clean water supply, employed regular cleaners to improve the learning environment for students and prevent the spread of illness. The focus on student safety in the SLPD encouraged school management to hire dedicated security personnel at the school gate, a visitor logbook and CCTV cameras to monitor access and prevent unauthorised entry to the school. 

These changes have had a real impact. “Student attendance has improved, and we’ve seen fewer illness-related absences,” said the Proprietor. “Bullying incidents have declined, and parents have expressed greater confidence in the school’s ability to protect and educate their children.

What truly sets Alice Pride apart is its commitment to sustainable change. As Oyeduntan Faderere Abosede, School Proprietor, said, “We’re teaching children skills that go beyond the classroom; hygiene, safety, and social responsibility.” These efforts ensure that students not only feel safe but are empowered to reach their full potential.