Question 1

What is KEY academy?

Accepted Answer

KEY academy is an internationally recognised 21st-century, project-based school in Lagos. KEY stands for Keep Educating Yourself, and we say it like the word “key”. Children learn through real projects that connect to the world around them, built on strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.

Question 2

How long has KEY academy been running?

Accepted Answer

For almost a decade. KEY academy was founded in 2018, and our model school opened its doors in September 2019. Since then, we have grown steadily, one learning group at a time.

Question 3

Who founded KEY academy, and why?

Accepted Answer

KEY academy was founded by Damilola Okonkwo. After a career in global finance, she moved to Lagos and began looking for a project-based school for her own children. She couldn’t find one, so she built it. Her belief is simple: every child deserves an education that prepares them for the world they will live and work in.

Question 4

What are KEY academy’s values?

Accepted Answer

Our values spell SUCCESS:Servant leadershipUnderstanding our heritageCommunity, connection and careCuriosityExcellenceSolutions firstSustained lifelong learningThey shape how we plan learning, how we treat each other and how we work with families.

Question 5

What ages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children from 18 months to 11 years. They learn in five groups:Bees (18 months to 3 years)Seeds (3 to 5 years)Roots (5 to 7 years)Buds (7 to 9 years)Shoots (9 to 11 years)

Question 6

Who are your co-learners?

Accepted Answer

Co-learners are our educators. We use the name because they learn alongside the children, rather than simply teaching from the front. They get to know each child’s interests, thinking and voice, and they guide each child towards their own goals.

Question 7

Has KEY academy received any awards or recognition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In 2025, KEY academy was shortlisted in the top 10 for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, run by T4 Education. It was the first time a school from Nigeria or West Africa had made the shortlist. Our founder’s work has also been profiled by J.P. Morgan and featured in BusinessDay.

Question 8

Is KEY academy involved in initiatives beyond its school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school is where our approach is developed and proven. From there, we share it more widely. ChessMasters, which we run in partnership with Eko Hotels & Suites, is Nigeria’s largest inter-school chess tournament. ImpactEducators is our nationwide digital training platform for educators. Both grew out of what works in our classrooms.