Some educators change lives, and then some change systems. Modupe Adeyinka-Oni belongs to the latter category. What started as a simple love for teaching at a local school in Lagos has now blossomed into a profound commitment to change education for the most marginalized children in Nigeria.
Through her ventures—Standard Bearer School, the iAfrica Cloud School Foundation, and Edulab 360—Modupe has not only pioneered inclusive learning environments but also elevated the entire conversation around what education in Africa can and should be. Her vision is crystal clear: to create a world where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to shine.
A Journey Rooted in Community and Education
Born in Birmingham, UK, Modupe’s journey took a crucial turn when she returned to Nigeria at the tender age of two. Raised in the culturally rich and diverse community of the University of Ibadan, her formative years were deeply influenced by a nurturing environment where community values were paramount.
“It was a magical, globally diverse environment where I made lifelong friends from around the world,” Modupe recalls, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Growing up in Ibadan during the peaceful 1960s and 70s, she describes the experience as idyllic—community-driven, respectful, and supportive. She fondly remembers a time when the entire neighborhood felt like a shared responsibility for raising a child.
“We often joked we were raised by the entire neighborhood; discipline could indeed come from any parent on the street!”
This strong sense of community instilled in her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and mutual respect, values she would carry with her throughout her life.
Modupe’s educational journey was shaped by her experiences at Queen’s College, Lagos, where she encountered the transformative influence of Mrs. Coker, her unforgettable teacher. “Under the unforgettable Mrs. Coker, who insisted we speak only English (despite some classmates’ amusing struggles), I learned to cherish national unity over tribal identities,” Modupe reflects. It was at Queen’s College that she forged lasting friendships that continue to enrich her life today.
Her journey as an educator began somewhat unexpectedly when she took a teaching role at Corona School in Lagos. What was initially a temporary job evolved into a passion that would define her career. “Teaching quickly captured my heart, guiding me to a lifelong vocation,” she says.
“Those early experiences sparked a desire to replicate the joyful learning environment I had experienced during my own childhood.”
It was during her tenure at Corona School that Modupe’s entrepreneurial spirit began to emerge. After spending 14 years there, she took a leap of faith and founded Standard Bearer School. Starting small, with the school operating from her own house in Ikoyi, her mission was clear: to create a joyful learning environment where children could flourish.
The Birth of Standard Bearer School
“Standard Bearer School was born from my desire to replicate the joyful learning environment I had experienced as a child,” Modupe explains. “Twenty-eight years later, it has grown into one of the most notable nursery and primary schools in Lagos, known for being the first fully inclusive school and a smart school, incorporating technology into our teaching and learning experiences since 2009.”
As Modupe reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, she recalls a pivotal moment during a Post Graduate Certificate program at Nottingham University in 2017. It was there that she discovered Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory. “I had an epiphany,” she says. “For the first time, I understood the profound impact that using multiple teaching styles could have on a child’s learning experience.”
Her curiosity led her to explore the Finnish teaching approach, which resonated deeply with her vision. “I was captivated by its play-based philosophy, which aligned perfectly with the approach I wanted to develop at Standard Bearer.” The Finnish model became a cornerstone of the school’s methodology, transforming the way students learned and thrived.
But Modupe’s commitment to inclusivity didn’t stop at educational methods. She was determined to create a space where neurodivergent and neurotypical children could learn together, supported by a personalized approach. “Our school has become a beacon of inclusivity, where every child is valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” she proudly asserts.
The iAfrica Cloud School Foundation: Bridging the Gap for Disadvantaged Children
Modupe’s unwavering passion for education extended beyond the walls of Standard Bearer School, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. “I witnessed children lining up on the streets of Lekki, a high-end area of Lagos, begging for food. I was struck by the sheer number of homeless and out-of-school children,” she shares, her voice filled with concern.
Determined to take action, Modupe ventured into underserved communities to understand the challenges these children faced. “Many children in non-state schools had been taught through rote learning, leaving them unable to read or write,” she recalls. This eye-opening experience drove her to establish the iAfrica Cloud School Foundation—a movement dedicated to providing quality education and digital skills training to children in disadvantaged communities.
The foundation quickly expanded, offering remote learning solutions through the Edulab 360 platform, which she developed after she co-founded DoorwayAfrica 360 during her enrollment at Founder Institute Lagos. This platform has impacted over 5,000 children, providing essential literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. “The results have been nothing short of transformative,” Modupe says, reflecting on the success of Edulab 360 in improving the lives of children who previously struggled with basic reading.
Her dedication to improving educational outcomes didn’t stop there. “Edulab 360 has empowered teachers to improve their methods, leading to better learning outcomes for all,” she adds. Modupe’s commitment to teacher training has had a lasting effect, with teachers gaining confidence and expertise in delivering quality education.
Pioneering Successes
Modupe’s dedication to education has yielded numerous successes throughout her career. One of her proudest achievements is the reputation her school has built for preparing children for success in secondary school and beyond. As she notes, “By concentrating on the foundation years, we developed a reputation for preparing children for success in secondary school and beyond.” This focus has led to her students consistently gaining admission to top secondary schools locally and internationally.
Modupe’s school has also made significant strides in technology and innovation. She recalls the moment when her students participated in the Technovation Girls Global competition, developing an app called Hands Out. As she shares, “Their team Brainsquad… earned them a trip to Silicon Valley for the finals.” This experience transformed her approach to technology, and she has since integrated it fully into her school. During the pandemic, her school demonstrated remarkable adaptability, becoming a “school without borders” and ensuring continuity of learning for her students.
Overcoming Challenges: Resilience and Collaboration
The path to success was not without its challenges, and Modupe readily acknowledged the hurdles she faced, particularly in terms of funding. “Funding is a perennial challenge for entrepreneurs,” she admits. “But I strongly believe in the power of public-private partnerships to create sustainable solutions.” Her perseverance in the face of these challenges has led her to develop a model of collaboration, ensuring that the resources needed to provide quality education are available and accessible.
Her commitment to training educators further solidified her role as a leader in the education sector. “Initially frustrating, this challenge soon became a source of pride,” Modupe explains. “Now I proudly send my well-trained teachers to lead educational institutions globally, witnessing their growth with immense satisfaction.”
Empowering Africa Through Education
As Modupe looks to the future, her vision for Africa’s educational landscape is clear: empower the next generation with knowledge, cultural pride, and a deep understanding of their heritage. “We must show the world that we are intelligent, hardworking, resilient, and deserving of respect,” she asserts passionately.
Her belief in the power of storytelling is central to this vision. “I want to collect and share stories of everyday heroes from across Africa, past and present, to inspire our children and remind them of their heritage,” she says. This mission to preserve African culture and empower young people is at the heart of everything she does.
Her message is simple but powerful: “Every African can be of value. We just need to help them discover who they truly are.”
For entrepreneurs with limited resources, patience is key. As Modupe advises, “Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon filled with unexpected challenges and necessary sacrifices.” To succeed, it’s essential to “embrace social media, master your craft, and if possible, become involved in your tech development team.” Ultimately, “passion must drive you” because it’s what sustains you when faced with challenges.
Modupe Adeyinka-Oni’s journey from a passionate teacher to a visionary entrepreneur and educator is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and cultural pride. Through her work with Standard Bearer School, iAfrica Cloud School Foundation, and Edulab 360, she has touched the lives of thousands of children, empowering them to rise above the challenges of their circumstances and reach their full potential.
