“My experience as a public school teacher is the inspiration for my efforts.”

Adeola Adefemi has been a passionate public school teacher since 2013 and currently serves as the Principal Education Officer at Keke High School, Lagos. Known for her commitment to quality education and safe learning environments, Adeola is an advocate of inclusive learning and collaborative teaching. As a Fulbright Fellow, a Global Teacher Prize Ambassador, and a Global Partner Exchange Fellow, she founded her Girls Allowed Hub and Every Child Counts Club. Adeola, who is a special judge at the Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition, is also the organizer of the Secure Your Future campaign.

Under her guidance, students have won over 150 competitions. Adeola has received numerous awards including the JCI Outstanding Young Person Award in Nigeria, the Best Teacher Award in Lagos and Nigeria, and the Best Teacher Award in Africa (African Union Continental Teacher Award). In 2021, she was recognized as one of the top 50 teachers in the world by her Global Teacher Award and was named Martina Teacher of the Year in 2023.

Adeola actively contributes to academic discussions, presenting papers at conferences and summits. In addition to her teaching, she is also an avid reader and an accomplished playwright who has written/directed over 50 plays and poems. Her extensive pursuit of knowledge is reflected in her over 100 international certifications, demonstrating her continued professional growth in this field and her commitment to her expertise. In this interview, she shares her own story with ESTHER IJEWERE.

childhood influences
My childhood had a huge influence on my work. As a child, I hated school. The reason was because of the unbearable events that happened during that period of my life. To address these challenges, I took lessons from my experiences and committed to making a difference as a teacher. These childhood experiences continue to shape and inform the work I do today, especially in my efforts to make my classroom a safe haven for all children.

Important moments in my public school life
My journey as a public school teacher was marked by key moments that shaped my approach to teaching. Moving from broadcasting, I learned the importance of excelling in systems that drive change. Securing funding for the project was a challenge, but I focused on bringing people together and taking advantage of free online tools. Despite the obstacles, initiatives such as the Child Not a Bride campaign and the Girls Permit Hub have empowered more than 3,000 girls. I have seen students excel in competitions. Also, winning awards such as her JCI Outstanding Young Person of Nigeria Award and Best Teacher of Nigeria and Africa is a testament to the impact of my vision and determination.

women who inspire her
Three women who inspire me are Mrs. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Educational Foundation; Barrister Titi Solarin, former Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Lagos State District 1; Mrs. Lucy Omoaka, Principal, Lagos State Comprehensive School;
Mrs. Banerjee's practical solutions to improve learning outcomes left a lasting impact on my educational philosophy, especially in my role at Pratham. Barrister Solarin's dedication to leveraging parental involvement to ensure quality education and Mrs. Omoaka's passionate advocacy to provide children with the most beautiful learning experiences have led to transformative, student-centered education. It shapes my approach to. These outstanding women highlight the importance of dedication, practical solutions, and true love for children in creating positive change in education and beyond.

Overcoming challenges as a superintendent
I believe that the most pressing challenge facing all educators, including myself, is adapting to the evolving educational environment, including the integration of new technologies and methodologies. To overcome this, I prioritize my own professional development and maintain a circle of teachers who keep me on my toes. Together, we stay informed of progress and implement effective strategies.

Additionally, fostering a collaborative work environment comes with its own set of challenges. I address this issue by promoting open communication channels and involving parents, colleagues, and students in the decision-making process. By addressing these challenges head-on, I have been able to ensure sustained success for my students and create a positive and enriching learning environment.

Exploring motivation and impact: Initiatives such as Girls allowed Hub and Every Child Counts Club
My experiences, first as a public school student and now as a public school teacher, drive my efforts. These projects aim to create a positive and empowering learning environment for all the children I meet. Having overcome challenges myself as a public school student, I understand the importance of developing a sense of one's own sufficiency and belief in one's potential.

Through GirlsAllowedHub, I strive to empower girls and provide a space where they have a voice and the opportunities and support to excel in education. My other efforts focus on inclusion, instilling confidence and a love of learning in all students. My ultimate goal is for every child who enters my classroom to experience an environment that fosters self-confidence and ensures educational success.

Looking back on the fulfillment of my career
The most fulfilling part of my career is witnessing the transformational journeys of my students. Although initially labeled as an underachiever, he has excelled in internal and external judging and has won over 150 national and international competitions. It is especially rewarding to see once unknown students now winning scholarships to pursue higher education in Nigeria and abroad. Their progress not only reflects the impact of dedicated teaching, but also fuels my continued commitment to education. Our students' success stories remind us of the impact education has on individual lives and the wider community.

The significance of the Women's Permit Hub and the role of education in achieving gender equality
As the founder of GirlsAllowedHub, I am deeply committed to empowering young girls because I believe education is the key to achieving gender equality. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Empowering girls through education not only transforms their individual lives, but also helps close the gender gap. will also make a significant contribution. Education gives girls the knowledge, skills and confidence to break through social barriers, pursue their aspirations and participate fully in all aspects of life. GirlsAllowedHub aims to create a space where girls can access educational opportunities, develop their voices, and overcome challenges. By investing in the education of young girls, we pave the way for fairer and more just societies, in line with the broader goal of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Effective strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment in a dynamic educational environment
I believe it is important to employ a variety of strategies to create an inclusive learning environment for students with diverse needs. All children have unique learning styles, and understanding individual learning styles and abilities is the foundation of an inclusive educational experience. In addition, by introducing flexible teaching methods, we are able to provide individualized instruction tailored to the needs of each student.

In my opinion, technology plays the most important role in promoting inclusivity. By integrating assistive technology and adaptive learning tools, you can effectively meet the diverse needs of your students. Additionally, incorporating a variety of assessment methods, such as project-based assessment and feedback, goes beyond traditional measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of student progress.

Additionally, physical and virtual adaptive spaces are essential to accommodate diverse needs. It doesn't apply to everything. Therefore, educators must create classrooms that can easily adapt to different learning styles and provide a supportive online environment. Together, these strategies and innovations create inclusive learning environments that meet the unique needs of all students, foster a culture of diversity, and ensure each learner has opportunities to grow. .

being a ruby ​​woman
I am a ruby ​​woman because I define resilience. Against all odds, I have set and broken records in a short amount of time doing what I am passionate about. I have not allowed my childhood experiences to derail me, but have used them to shape my efforts to transform education. What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment. From the Girls Allowed Hub to initiatives like the Every Child Count Club, I have been dedicated to driving positive change.

My story is one of overcoming hardship. We have changed the current situation even with limited resources.

Through my travels, I hope to inspire others by showing them the power of quality education. I want to convey that people can have a big impact, regardless of their background or situation. By sharing my story, advocating for quality education, and fostering an inclusive environment, I aim to empower individuals to believe in their abilities and contribute to positive change in the world. Because the change you want to see starts with you as a person.

Source: guardian.ng