Celebrating Decades of Educational Excellence

40 years after she set up ABC Nurseryland which evolved into Lekki British School (LBS), Dr. Abiodun Laja has remarkably distinguished herself in her chosen career. She recently celebrated the anniversary of the school and had the crème de la crème of the

Save for the invite and imposing banners that partly read ‘Celebrating Dr. Abiodun Laja’s 40 Years Contribution to Educational Excellence in Nigeria’, one would have passed the setting at the conference and theater event center for a carnival. But then, it still would not have been out of place should that be that the exquisitely decorated hall of D-Venue, Water Corporation Drive had been mistaken for any such fete, befitting a woman who has successfully trodden the path of excellence in the education sector.

Driven by passion and love for children, she became the first youngest person to found a private school in Nigeria at the age of 27 in 1977. Like a mustard seed and what it had become today, the private school she started 40 years ago has evolved into Lekki British School (LBS) from ABC Nurseryland, a Montessori nursery and primary school.

To be sure, the celebration was unique and deserving in some way that, at the time when private schools were dominated by old retired teachers, Laja beat the odds. “Her story and journey are an inspiration to many. At a time when private schools were not an easy achievement to establish, she fought against the odds to set up ABC Nurseryland in 1977 as the youngest private school owner and has never looked back since.”

And so it was, therefore, worthwhile on this remarkable occasion of the anniversary on November 19, as guests from all walks of life as a mark of gratitude for her noble contribution to education, turned out to celebrate the astute educationist and administrator. Laja, who donned a glittering white dress pleated with gold embroidery, was visibly elated all through the evening.

Glamorous in their resplendent outfits, the guests were quite appreciative and cautious of the day’s plan trickling in at exactly 3pm

Like a mustard seed and what it had become today, the private school she started 40 years ago has evolved into Lekki British School (LBS) from ABC Nurseryland, a Montessori nursery and primary school

L-R: Laja; Former Chairman Punch News paper, Mr. Ajibola Ogunshola and his wife Iyabo; Akande and Mrs. Bola Adetula during the celebration

L-R: Erelu Keji Okunlowo; St Matthew Daniel; Laja and former Legal Adviser of Nigeriaian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chief Sena Anthony