Education remains one of the most powerful tools for driving societal transformation, especially across developing regions like Africa. Recognizing this, Schoola—a forward-thinking education technology (edtech) company—is tackling the continent’s educational challenges head-on by using innovation to reshape learning outcomes. Founded by three passionate visionaries—Abdul Bature, Nasiru Mustapha, and Abdulalim Ladan—Schoola is redefining how students and teachers interact with learning materials by making education more personalized, engaging, and accessible.
These co-founders, united by a shared mission to empower both learners and educators, were inspired by the real-world hurdles they observed in traditional classrooms. From overcrowded environments to a lack of feedback systems, they saw that students often fell behind academically due to structural inefficiencies. Teachers, too, lacked the support and tools necessary to create impactful and customized learning experiences.
The Genesis of Schoola: Turning Problems into Purpose
Abdul Bature, who serves as the CEO of Schoola, graduated in Computer Science from Ahmadu Bello University. He began his career at Intercontinental School, Kano, where he managed the Microsoft IT Academy Program. In that role, he spearheaded digital integration in classrooms, designed the school’s website, and introduced tech-based learning initiatives. However, he quickly recognized a glaring problem: despite digital advances, many students were still underperforming.
Through interaction with students and teachers, Bature identified the root causes of poor performance—mainly the absence of personalized feedback and the shortage of adequate learning materials. This insight fueled his passion to develop a solution. Together with Nasiru Mustapha and Abdulalim Ladan, he envisioned a tech-driven learning environment that could address these educational voids effectively.
In 2019, the team launched a prototype digital learning platform equipped with gamification features, interactive duels, and tournaments. These elements added fun and competitiveness to the learning experience, motivating students to stay engaged. The pilot program was implemented in two schools—Intercontinental School in Kano and Command Secondary School in Kaduna—with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Accelerated Adoption During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Schoola’s big breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lockdowns pushed schools to transition to remote learning. As physical classrooms shut down, Schoola’s digital platform became an essential tool. Within months, 20 schools had adopted the solution, validating its relevance and effectiveness. This momentum catalyzed the formal launch of Schoola, and the platform has continued to grow ever since.
Confronting the Learning Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa’s education system faces numerous challenges. According to a 2022 World Bank report, about 87% of children in Africa cannot read and comprehend simple texts. This “learning poverty” is driven by a combination of inadequate resources, outdated curricula, teacher underdevelopment, and disengaging classroom experiences.
Traditional educational frameworks often fail to meet the needs of today’s learners. In many schools, class sizes are overwhelming, learning tools are scarce, and teachers receive minimal support—resulting in student disengagement and underachievement. Schoola steps in as a game-changer by providing digital tools that enable customized lesson planning, performance-based feedback, and curriculum development—all in one platform.
Empowering Educators and Engaging Learners
Schoola’s all-encompassing approach transforms both teaching and learning. Teachers can create interactive lessons tailored to various curricula and design assessments that reflect students’ performance levels. Meanwhile, students benefit from instant feedback and engaging formats that keep them motivated. Importantly, Schoola also supports learners with special educational needs, ensuring inclusivity across the platform.
Parents are not left out; they can monitor their children’s academic progress in real time. Additionally, school administrators gain access to performance dashboards to track overall learning trends and manage academic activities effectively.
Impact Across Nigeria: Real Results, Measurable Progress
Since its inception, Schoola has expanded its reach to 110 schools across six Nigerian states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna. The results speak volumes—student engagement increased by 70%, and academic performance rose by 30% within the first year of adoption. Teachers, on the other hand, reported reduced workload stress and an uptick in the quality of content they produce—generating 40% more digital teaching materials.
These achievements demonstrate Schoola’s effectiveness in reshaping Nigeria’s education landscape and its potential to drive systemic improvements across Africa.
Recognition and Accolades: A Startup on the Rise
Schoola’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The company has earned several prestigious awards and recognitions, including:
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Named one of the “Top Innovative Companies of 2020” by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
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Won the “Most Innovative Startup” award from NITDA in 2021.
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Triumphed in the 2022 MSME Challenge in Nasarawa State.
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Finished as runner-up at the 2023 Leap at Riyadh Rocket Flow event.
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Secured a top spot in the Africa IoT and AI Challenge in Nigeria (2023).
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Joined Microsoft’s prestigious “Startup for Founders” program in June 2022, gaining $150,000 in credits and invaluable technical mentorship.
These accolades further validate Schoola’s pioneering work and reinforce its capacity to drive innovation on a global scale.
A Vision for the Future: Transforming Education, One Classroom at a Time
Schoola’s mission is far from complete. With a solid foundation and proven impact, the company aims to expand its reach beyond Nigeria to other parts of Africa facing similar educational challenges. As the platform scales up, its commitment to using technology to tackle learning poverty and promote quality education remains steadfast.
Schoola is not just an edtech startup—it is a beacon of hope in a struggling education system. By blending innovation with purpose, it is creating a future where every African student, regardless of location or background, can access high-quality, engaging, and effective learning experiences.
