The Impact of Personalised Learning in Nigerian Private Schools

In today’s rapidly changing world, many Nigerian schools continue to employ outdated teaching methods, including crowded classrooms, rigid timetables, and an excessive emphasis on examination preparation. However, a few schools are boldly doing things differently.

One of them is the Abraham Lincoln American Academy, which is turning heads with its personalised learning model that is reshaping how children are taught.

At the school’s recent graduation ceremony held in Lagos, the Head of the School, Jessica McAllister, explained how they are blending the Nigerian curriculum with the American educational model. The goal is simple: to raise a generation of critical thinkers, not cram students into a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The foundation matters. Every action a parent takes, including school choice, determines how a child turns out,” she said. “There is no middle ground; it is either forward or backwards.”

What sets Abraham Lincoln apart is its small classroom sizes, with teachers trained in flipped classroom techniques. This means that instead of standing in front and talking all day, teachers allow students to explore topics, ask questions, and engage in hands-on activities. This approach has made learning both more enjoyable and more effective.

McAllister noted that, in addition to core Nigerian subjects, students learn geography, science, and history using non-fiction texts and real-life examples, which helps them connect what they know to the world around them.

Nevertheless, it is not just about what is taught — it is how it is taught. President Emmanuella Imansuangbon stated that teachers undergo special training and orientation to meet global standards.

“In second grade, I still remember what I was taught because it was practical. That is the power of hands-on learning,” she said.

Experts say this method is long overdue for the Nigerian education system.

Educational consultant Dr Tolu Arinze told The Punch that Nigeria needs to prioritise quality over quantity in its classrooms. “The typical Nigerian classroom has 40–60 pupils. One teacher cannot give all of them the attention they need. Small class sizes, like those at Abraham Lincoln Academy, are the future,” she said.

She added that personalised learning improves student performance and self-confidence. “When students feel seen and heard, they try harder. It is that simple.”

A 2022 report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics shows that countries investing in personalised education and continuous teacher development see higher student success rates and better long-term outcomes.

So, what is stopping other schools in Nigeria from copying this model?

For many, it is funding. However, experts argue that innovation is not always about money. “It starts with a mindset,” said Arinze. “You can reduce class sizes gradually, train teachers in student-centred methods, and include parents in the learning journey. Even public schools can start small.”

Guest speaker at the graduation, Chief Oghenegaren Ejovi, urged students to dream big, citing Abraham Lincoln’s resilience as a model.

The message from the event was loud and clear: Nigerian schools can do better. Furthermore, the Abraham Lincoln American Academy is showing one way to start — with smaller classes, better teaching, and deeper learning.

It may be time for more schools across the country to follow suit.