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Our Story

Nearly three decades of standing with school owners.

From a small network of proprietors in 1999 to a national body spanning six geopolitical zones — here is the movement behind AFED Lagos.

Our History

Built on a conviction: every child deserves a classroom.

The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) was founded in 1999 and formally incorporated (RC 14186) as a professional, non-political, non-profit-making body for operators of private Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and allied education institutions across Nigeria. It exists to promote, provide, harmonise and guarantee good governance among school owners, built on love, equity and justice for all.

What began as a small network of proprietors has grown into a national movement structured across four tiers — National, State, LGA/LCDA and Zone — currently active across six geopolitical zones and rolling out chapter by chapter in all 36 states. AFED Lagos is proud to be the pioneer, fully operational State Chapter of this national network.

The association's founding constitution was adopted in 2006, revised in 2014, and most recently re-enacted as the 2021 Act — the governing document every chapter, zone and member operates under to this day.

Read the Constitution
Archive photograph of an early AFED gathering
🖼️Photo placeholderArchive photo — an early AFED gathering or founding event
(images/history-archive-gathering.png)
"Education for All"Official Motto
1999Founded & Incorporated
RC 14186Registration Number
2021Current Constitution Act
Our Vision

To be a world-leading association of low-fee education service providers.

A trusted, respected voice for school proprietors — recognised by government, education stakeholders and civil society as the benchmark for standards among affordable, private education providers in Nigeria and beyond.

Our Mission

To promote an enabling platform for low-fee education providers to achieve better education standards.

Through collaboration and strategic partnership with governments at all levels, education stakeholders, schools and communities — improving access to education and raising standards for every child.

Article 4 of the AFED Constitution

Our aims and objectives

Unity & Cooperation

To promote unity, cooperation and a friendly atmosphere among members and member schools.

Standards & Creativity

To promote creativity in the educational system, guiding and motivating member schools to meet set standards.

Funding & Aid

To solicit funds and educational aid from individuals, government and local/international bodies for the benefit of member schools.

Mutual Progress

To promote the progress and mutual co-existence of members, contributing positively to the educational wellbeing of society.

Philanthropy

To undertake philanthropic activities for orphans and low-income earners, supporting the academic development of indigent children.

Member Development

To counsel, stimulate and initiate projects that harness the physical, mental, moral and financial resources of members.

What Guides Us — CLIPEC

Our core values

🤝

Commitment

Dedication and loyalty to the association's purpose and its members.

🧭

Leadership

Raising proprietors and administrators who guide their schools and communities with confidence.

🛡️

Integrity

Honesty, discipline and reliability in every dealing, at every tier of the association.

❤️

Passion

Compassion and drive for quality education, especially for underserved children.

🏆

Excellence

Striving for the highest standard in teaching, administration and governance.

💡

Creativity

Creative problem-solving that keeps low-fee education sustainable and effective.

The AFED Anthem

The song that carries our purpose

Sung at chapter meetings, congresses and the AFED Terminal Examination — a reminder, in every gathering, of why the association exists.

Education development is our goal,

Surely we shall all achieve this one by one;

For this purpose AFED has come to our aid,

We are partners in progress with government.

We are ready to rebuild our country,

We are ready for this great challenge.

Great Afedians, Progress shall we make,

Education in Nigeria must be lifted.

Great Afedians, Progress shall we make,

Education in Nigeria be lifted up.

Call & Response Slogan — SOLO: "AFED" → RESPONSE: "Education For All"  ·  SOLO: "Great Afedians" → RESPONSE: "Great!"

Article 2 · Organisational Structure

Four tiers of government, one association

AFED's national headquarters sits in FCT Abuja, with State headquarters at each state capital, and LGA/LCDA and Zonal headquarters at their respective areas of operation.

Apex

National Executives

The ruling body — President, VP, Secretary-General and national officers, headquartered in FCT Abuja.

State

State Executives

Led by the State Controller — administers the affairs of Lagos State and reports to the National Executives.

LGA/LCDA

Local Chapters

Led by an LGA/LCDA Chairman — coordinates member schools within each council area, reporting to the State.

Zone

Zonal Coordinators

The grassroots tier — a minimum of five member schools per zone, reporting to the LGA/LCDA Executives.

Lagos State Leadership

The people carrying the mission forward

Pastor James Lartey-Lartey, State Controller of AFED Lagos
🖼️Photo placeholderPastor James Lartey-Lartey, State Controller
State Controller

Pastor James Lartey-Lartey

A distinguished educationist, administrator, author and Christian leader — Proprietor of Honesty International School, Surulere, and author of twelve educational books including the Spelling Is Fun series. He holds degrees in Educational Administration from the University of Lagos and leads the Lagos Chapter as State Controller.

Read His Full Profile →

Meet the Full Exco

Join The Movement

Be part of a stronger, united voice for school owners.

Whether you run a nursery, primary or secondary school, AFED Lagos gives you standing, support and a seat at the table.

See Membership Benefits
  • 1 Obtain and complete the AFED membership eligibility form.
  • 2 Get sponsored by two bonafide AFED members as referees.
  • 3 Pay the registration fee and receive your Membership Certificate & School Code.
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