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Our Story​

Transforming Nigerian Education: From Classroom Gaps to Leadership and Innovation

Education in Nigeria has long faced complex challenges — from gaps in teacher preparedness to outdated curricula and inequity in access to quality learning. Our story begins in the early 2000s, when Professor Franca Ovadje initiated the School Management Programme at the Lagos Business School to equip Principals and Heads of schools with the knowledge and skills they needed to lead transformations in their institutions. Although most participants were from private schools, the gaps in the educational system were evident.

Martha Okafor has extensive experience as a teacher and served as the Director of Academics and Vice Principal at The Lagoon School, a leading secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria. In this role, she spearheaded curriculum innovation, teacher development, and digital transformation initiatives that positioned the school among the top 10 nationally, achieving the best WAEC results in the state on two occasions.
Martha and Franca joined forces to transform education in Nigeria. Through the Danne Education iThink Tank, they plan to build a bridge between education and employability in the 21st century, rethinking education in Nigeria and Africa in ways that enable the continent to leapfrog in AI while developing the values of citizenship in future leaders of Nigeria and Africa. We envision Danne EiTT as a catalyst for real, systemic change in education. By combining rigorous research, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and targeted policy advocacy, the Institute generates actionable insights that drive meaningful educational reforms. Through this approach, Danne Think Tank positions itself as a recognised thought leader, shaping the future of education in Nigeria and across Africa Guided by five strategic pillars, Danne EiTT reimagines what education can do not only for today’s learners, but for generations to come. Over the years, we have collaborated with policymakers, schools, and strategic partners to implement initiatives that nurture ethical leadership, critical thinking, and whole-person development in students and educators alike. Every project we undertake is a step toward our larger vision of an education system in Nigeria and across Africa that is evidence-informed, shaped by collaboration, and capable of preparing young people for the challenges of the modern world.