With over 5000 students and 275 teachers across 70 branches, Jolabell International Schools’ proprietor Mr. Jolayemi Kazeem is setting himself on an ambitious journey of school branch expansions. In an exclusive interview with EdFina, we try to get to know what drives him to work towards his goal.
My Life before starting Jolabell International Schools
Before I started my school business, I had the yen for studying Petroleum Engineering. Thankfully destiny had other plans for me for which I am till date very thankful as what lay in store was far more fulfilling a course that life took. It was while pursuing my graduation at the Nigerian College of Education (Kwara) did I discover my passion for the field of education – be it teaching or helping my classmates academically. After that I joined as a voluntary intern in De Gift School, Lagos where I picked up the ropes of school management.
It was while pursuing my graduation at the Nigerian College of Education (Kwara) did I discover my passion for the field of education – be it teaching or helping my classmates academically.
What made me start Jolabell International Schools
Let me just put it down to the thrill of identifying a challenge and overcoming it. Getting enrolments is a challenge across schools in Nigeria. I remember writing a letter to the proprietor of the school I interned with promising to help her increase enrolments from 81 students to 150. After achieving this feat, I moved on to another school where I committed to increasing enrolment from 21 to 80 - which I achieved. These two experiences gave me the confidence that I could succeed in the school business. And haven prayed for several months, I felt the conviction to start my own school.

Mr. Jolayemi Kazeem – Leading by example, be it as a teacher or a schoolpreneur
