In this report, we delve into how this educational institution has not only transformed the lives of students but has also acted as a catalyst for positive change in an underserved community.
Educational Brilliance Igniting Community Advancement:
Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools, Lagos, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Nestled within Imowonla town, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, the school radiates the light of knowledge, offering a lifeline of hope to both the children it educates and the community it serves.
As Imowonla struggles with the dearth of essential amenities due to inadequate government presence, the school steps forward as a beacon of progress in the face of adversity.
Founder and Proprietor Zakariya Olanrewaju Anofi is at the helm of this educational revolution. The school’s core mission revolves around providing a holistic education that merges both Islamic and secular knowledge through meticulous research and effective pedagogical methods. Beyond the classroom, the school is committed to instilling ethical behavior, nurturing strong values in students, and fostering a secure, informed, and progressive society through collaboration with the government.
Observations on the ground reveal that Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools’ impact extends far beyond conventional education. It serves as a blueprint for how education can be a vehicle for transformative social change within marginalized communities. By investing in both academic and character development, the school nurtures not just students’ minds, but also their potential to influence society positively.
A Haven for Learning and Growth:
The learning environment within Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools is meticulously designed to foster growth and development. The institution boasts a secure and supportive atmosphere, enriched by state-of-the-art facilities and seasoned educators. Offering day and boarding facilities for secondary students, the school has created an immersive environment that nurtures and supports its students’ learning journeys.
Comprising three distinct sections, the school caters to a diverse array of educational needs. The Secular section accommodates Nursery, Primary, and Secondary levels of education, operating from Monday to Friday. Complementing this, the Islamic and Arabic School, alongside the Qur’an memorization sections, extend their services to both weekdays and weekends, thereby accommodating the schedules of a wide range of students.
Legacy and Philanthropy Fueling Educational Excellence:
Shedding light on the reason for establishing a co-educational facility, Zakariya Anofi, a professional Accountant and educationist said the idea was rooted on preserving the heritage and philanthropic values of his late father “The school has been named after my father, Anofi Aliu Akano. He had limited education through personal efforts, but had the opportunity to work with some white men when he was at Nigeria Port Authority (NPA).
He said, “My father rose to become a clerk in the NPA. He was well-loved by the white men, but his lack of higher education hindered him from being promoted beyond that position. So that encouraged him to ensure that we, his children, got educated. Consequently, he trained us with everything God gifted him.
“Sadly, my father died while my younger brother and I were serving the country during our NYSC year. His death was quite painful to us, and I felt the only way I could appreciate his legacy was to build a school and name it after him. This is to honour him and for him to benefit eternally for his good deeds and sacrifices for us.
“My father was a workaholic and family-oriented man. He believed so much in acts of charity that he had no savings for himself. We learnt that from him. The nature of our family is to share the little we have with the people around us. We all embraced this act because we observed that the more we give, the more we get blessed by God.”
Parents who spoke to our correspondent said the school has impacted positively on their children, adding to them great values. They confirmed that the School walk its talk with the implementation of its core values “CLEVER”- creativity, leadership, engagement, versatility, ethical behaviour, and reliability.
One of them is Mr. Waliy Ojewumi, an engineer, who enrolled his children since 2018. According to him, “I used to have three of my children in Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools, but my eldest child graduated and went to another secondary school because the Secondary School wasn’t ready at that time. But, now the Secondary school is ready, we plan to enroll him back there.
“One thing I look out for in schools is the caliber of teachers they have. This is because most schools, especially private schools don’t employ quality teachers. So for me certified, skilled and professional teachers is an important criterion, and I see all that in the school because, in most of their recruitments, they look for teachers with NCE or BSc-EDU,” he added.
Dr. Ismail Akeem Seriki, a parent with three children enrolled at the school, reveals his decision to transfer his children from larger institutions due to a disparity between fees paid and academic value received. Since joining Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools, he has witnessed a remarkable improvement in his children’s academic performance and character development. He underscores the school’s ability to instill values that transcend financial investments.
“Most of us parents have confirmed that the values and morals that the school instils in our children are more than the money we pay. And it has been inspiring for me as a parent. So I would recommend the school to anybody. They should key into bringing their children to learn there because they won’t ever regret making that decision,” Dr Seriki advised.
Empowering the Community Beyond Education:
Anofi said the school recognises that progress in the town cannot be brought about solely by education alone, thus they also contribute their quota in improving the quality of life for residents by providing support in the grading of the roads and beautifying the Imowonla community.
Mr. Adebisi Ismail Adeniyi, one of the Community Development Associations chairmen in the Imowonla community affirmed that the school has contributed immensely to the development of the community. “Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools has been actively involved in humanitarian and community development activities, Mr. Adeniyi said.
“They don’t only ensure quality education for our children, but they also offer free periodic lectures to residents of our community. They teach people about governance, health, life expectancy, business and financial intelligence and environmental awareness and many other impactful topics. And aside from the lectures, they also give free lunches to people. So you can imagine how beneficial this is for a vulnerable community like ours. Also during the COVID-19 lockdown, the school was hugely involved in caring for and feeding the poor.’
“The school also provide support in the maintenance of roads in the community, and provides security within our neighborhoods. The school provided significant financial support towards the installation of a new brand transformer to Olaife Estate. Indeed, this school has been a shining light in our community,” the CDA chairman said.
Empowerment through Education: A Vision Fulfilled
For Zakariya Anofi, education serves as a powerful tool for the liberation and empowerment of the less privileged. Rooted in a passion for education and a belief in its liberating potential, the idea to establish the school took shape years ago during the Gov Babatunde Fashola era. Despite initial challenges, Anofi remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision, and with the support and encouragement of his mentor, Governor Seyi Makinde, brother, Mr. Lukman Olajide Anofi, and a few others he embarked on this transformative journey.
Anofi’s conviction that education is a shared responsibility between society and government underscores the school’s collaborative approach. Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools seek to contribute to the creation of a secure, informed, and progressive society, transcending government resources alone. Through its unwavering dedication to education and community development, the school stands as a shining beacon, illuminating pathways to a brighter future for Imowonla and beyond.
In summary, Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools emerge as a force of educational enlightenment and community upliftment. Its unique blend of academic excellence, character development, and community engagement sets a remarkable precedent for education’s role in fostering positive societal change. Anchored in heritage, philanthropy, and a commitment to education, the school’s legacy is one of empowerment, enlightenment, and transformation—a legacy that resonates within Imowonla and reverberates far beyond its borders.
Sultan Hanafi Royal Schools can be reached via:
Email- [email protected], Telephone: 08073747650 and 08038078664
