Foreign and local education brands are showing a growing interest in Nigeria’s school supply market, as seen at the recent Stationery, School and Office Supplies Expo (SCOFEX 2025) held in Lagos.
The event, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, brought together school owners, teachers, parents, and education suppliers from within and outside Africa. The goal was to connect Nigerian schools with suppliers of quality educational materials.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mrs Ngozi Adindu, Managing Partner and Project Coordinator, stated that SCOFEX was established to enhance Nigerian schools by providing them with access to high-quality learning tools commonly used in other parts of the world.
“SCOFEX aims to bring international manufacturers of school and smart learning equipment into Africa, especially Nigeria, so our schools can compete favourably with international standards,” Mrs Ngozi Adindu said.
“From bags to toys, teaching aids and uniforms, we are here to make quality affordable and accessible.”
She was joined by Mr Ashish Jain, the owner of Tecburg Private Limited, who explained that the Nigerian education system has long suffered from a lack of access to high-quality teaching materials.
“Countries that focus on Education are spending more on innovative tools. SCOFEX brings in good products and new technologies that are essential for modern learning,” he said.
Jain emphasised that SCOFEX is not about offering cheap products but instead providing affordable quality.
“We are introducing international-standard materials that will not be overpriced. That is what the market and our children deserve,” he noted.
Mrs Adindu further highlighted that SCOFEX has partnered with five major school associations in Nigeria to drive bulk purchasing ahead of the next school session.
These include the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Association of International School Educators in Nigeria (AISEN).
“The goal is for these associations to buy directly from trusted global brands. It reduces cost, ensures quality, and enhances the overall teaching and learning process,” she said.
According to her, the impact of these partnerships extends beyond cost efficiency.
“When children have access to quality stationery and teaching aids, they learn faster and retain better. That is the foundation for real academic improvement,” she added. Mrs Adindu also emphasised SCOFEX’s broader goal of enhancing Africa’s productivity economy through innovation and access to essential tools.
“Simple materials like well-made pencils and notebooks can drastically improve classroom engagement and student performance,” she explained.
At the exhibition, several brands showcased products specifically designed for the African education market.
Seventeen exhibitors and 25 international brands participated in the expo.