The number of children born in Nigeria is increasing every day. Therefore, parents are always searching for schools to enrol their children in every year. Some parents prefer schools in the neighbourhood they live in, while others prefer schools that have prestigious names and reputations. School business is very lucrative in Nigeria.
Parents want the best education for their children. Therefore, the nursery or primary school business in Nigeria is very profitable. From crèche, to kindergarten, nursery and then primary school, children have to learn stuff that will help them further their education, and get employed in the future.
Steps to start nursery or primary school business
This is the ultimate guide on how to start a nursery or primary school business in Nigeria.
1. Register your nursery/primary school business
Before you can start your school business, you have to register it at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Visit the Ministry of Education in your area to make the necessary enquiries. You should also hire a legal practitioner to help you out with the necessary documentations and legal advice. You can also register your school with the association of private schools in your area. The organisation will keep you updated with any information you might need.
2. Choose a location for your school
This is crucial in the process of starting a nursery or primary school business in Nigeria. You should choose an easily accessible area that is safe for children. Your location should also be around residential areas and workplaces. Parents can easily pick up and drop their children. The location you choose depends on your budget. How much can you afford? Upscale areas are more expensive than developing areas. If your school fees are expensive, go for high brow areas. If your school fees are cheap, go to cheaper areas. The facilities your school provides must also be on par with the school fees parents are asked to pay. Also, find out if schools are already available in the location you choose; the standard of schools and how you can improve on what these schools provide.
3. Choose a building
If you have erected a building of your own in the location you chose, that is great for your nursery or primary school business. But if otherwise, you should rent a building in the location of your choice. Make sure to choose a building that is safe and can support the necessary facilities for a nursery or primary school. You can rent a small apartment or a whole building. Make sure the classrooms are roomy, well ventilated and conducive for learning. The compound should also be spacious, for playground, school assembly and school parties.
4. Choose a name for your school
Choose a name for your nursery or primary school that is memorable. Make sure to choose a name that is short, catchy and unique. Make sure no other school uses that name to avoid problems in the future. You can use your own name or any other name of your choice.
5. School facilities
To start a nursery or primary school business, you need to acquire various facilities. You need to obtain several facilities such as;
- Boards
- TVs
- stationery
- books
- shelves
- desks and chairs
- musical instruments
- chalks
- markers
- computers
- charts
- games
- swings
- First aid kits
- microphones etc
You need clean toilets and bathrooms. You also need water supply to ensure good hygiene in your school. All these facilities are necessary to ensure a conducive, learning environment for your students. This will also attract other parents to register their children at your school.
6. Design a school uniform
Your nursery or primary school should have a unique and fashionable uniform that is attractive to parents. Hire a fashion designer or tailor to help you select a fabric and design that is comfortable for children.
7. Hire Staff
To run a nursery or primary school business in Nigeria, you need to hire good people to work in your school such as;
- Teachers
- Security guards
- Cleaners
- Receptionist
- Librarian
- Secretary
- Supervisor
- Accountant
- Clerk
- Cook
- Bus Driver e.t.c
Do make sure the teachers you hire are qualified. The minimum academic qualification for a teacher in a nursery or primary school is N.C.E. You can also hire B.Sc and M.Sc holders if you can afford them. However, the higher the academic qualifications of your teachers, the higher the school fees you can charge per child. Parents prefer to enrol their children at schools where the teachers are highly qualified. You also need a bus driver for your school bus. You should get a school bus that can convey children from their homes to school, and take them back home as well. Make sure you hire a professionally trained security guard to man your school gate. You also need cleaners to keep the school clean at all times.
8. Choose an academic curriculum
Some schools use the Nigerian academic curriculum while others use the American and British school curriculum. Choose an academic curriculum that suits the needs of the children who will attend your school.
9. Choose a motto
Choose a memorable motto about good education. This motto should highlight the overall message your nursery or primary school is trying to convey to parents.
11. Choose a logo
Hire a graphic designer to create a logo for your nursery or primary school business. A logo is very important for your nursery or primary school business in Nigeria.
12. Print branded notebooks
Hire a printing press to print branded notebooks for your nursery or primary school business. Your school’s name, logo, motto, address and contact information should be printed boldly on the notebooks. These notebooks will be sold to children that enrol at your school. Children should take class notes, learn and solve assignments in the notebooks. Selling these notebooks to your students will provide income at the beginning of a session and during the term. Branded notebooks can also be used as advertising materials for your nursery or primary school business in Nigeria.
You can find other business ideas on the page: Business Ideas
