Nigerian Schools Record Gains From British Council Research Projects

British Council research initiatives have driven measurable gains in teaching quality and student performance across Nigerian schools.

Some of them were explored during an exclusive media site visit and engagement session showcasing the impact of the British Council Action Research Grants Programme in Nigeria at Olumawu School, Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Donna McGowan, Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, highlighted the British Council’s Action Research Grants as a key initiative empowering teachers and school leaders to identify classroom challenges, test solutions, and share successful practices.

She also showcased the British Council Partner Schools Network, which connects thousands of schools globally to share ideas and best practices, commending Olumawu School for hosting the event and praising participants for their commitment to improving learning outcomes.

She stressed that education systems must adapt to a rapidly changing world, especially in countries like Nigeria with a large youthful population.

According to her, improving access alone is not enough, the quality of teaching and learning must also be strengthened through research, evidence and practical classroom experience.

“Our work across education is a hugely important part of our portfolio in Nigeria, where we have been proud and privileged to partner with many diverse organisations and institutions for more than 80 years.

“Through our British Council Partner Schools, we offer unparalleled operational and educational support to a network of over 2,600 schools across 40 countries, with more than 400 in Nigeria alone.

“And British Council Partner Schools benefit from a global community of school leaders, teachers and students who share their expertise and deliver innovative solutions to global problems,” she said.

LEADERSHIP reports that a flagship study conducted by Chinedu Vincent Okoro, a teacher at Olumawu School in Abuja, which was showcased during the session revealed how mindfulness-based workshops can reduce academic stress and improve focus among secondary school students aged 11 to 17.

The intervention introduced breathing and yoga sessions to tackle rising concerns around student mental health, with findings showing that 94.4 per cent of students reported reduced stress and better time management, while 88.9 per cent said the techniques helped them manage academic pressure. Additionally, 75 per cent of students demonstrated improved classroom behaviour and focus.

Also speaking, Eyitayo Akanji, Head of Market, British Council Nigeria, said education is not just about grades; it is about wellbeing.

“These projects show that when both students and teachers are supported, meaningful and lasting improvements in learning can be achieved.”

He said the Council would ensure that the learning from the programme does not end here, adding that it would soon launch the next round of Action Research Grants and urging educators to apply.

Similarly, Ayotomi Fasuyi, Principal of Charles Dale Memorial International School in Port Harcourt, examined the impact of the Online Support for Schools (OSS) platform on teacher effectiveness.

In her study, she found remarkably high engagement, with 97 per cent of teachers accessing and completing OSS modules.

Key insights included that blended learning is critical. Follow-up face-to-face workshops, particularly on Understanding Lesson Management, enabled teachers to contextualise their learning, ask questions and collaboratively address classroom challenges, among other benefits.

Another study led by Innocent Katule, Mathematics educator and Assistant Coordinator of CPD at Deeper Life High School (DLHS), Opete Campus, Delta State, tackled Mathematics anxiety through targeted CPD interventions and explored how professional development can address Mathematics anxiety among students.

The research demonstrated that teachers showed increased confidence and competence in addressing Maths phobia, while there was improved use of active learning strategies, differentiated instruction and technology integration.

Rotimi Jiboku, Principal of Olumawu School, Abuja, in his remarks, commended the British Council’s Action Research Grant Programme for empowering educators through funding, professional development and research opportunities.

He said the initiative had strengthened student wellbeing and teacher support systems, while also showcasing Nigeria’s educational innovations on global platforms.

He encouraged more schools to join the British Council Partner Schools Programme to benefit from similar opportunities and collaborations.

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.