In an era where Nigeria’s education system faces mounting challenges, one man is defying the odds and transforming the landscape—Anthony Nwachukwu Isiani, a mechanical engineer turned educational innovator, whose passion for purposeful teaching gave birth to a visionary company: School Development Support (SDS) International Limited.
Isiani’s journey began nearly three decades ago during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, where he was posted to teach in a secondary school.
Though trained in engineering, he discovered a deep sense of fulfillment helping students understand Mathematics and Basic Technology. Despite the initial challenges, his results were so impressive that school authorities added Further Mathematics and Technical Drawing to his roster.
But when passion met frustration—especially with students struggling to grasp abstract concepts—Isiani leaned into his engineering expertise. From this creative response to a real-world problem, SDS International was born in June 1997.
Today, SDS stands tall as a wholly Nigerian-owned innovation hub, crafting over nine original educational solutions tailored to the learning environment.
From ergonomically designed classroom furniture to high-tech audiovisual learning aids, interactive laboratories, and child-centered learning tools, SDS is redefining education infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.
During a recent media tour of SDS’s headquarters in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, journalists were left awe-struck. From mini theme parks for motor-skill development to STEM labs, writing boards, and even mini table tennis courts for toddlers, it was a showcase of how creativity, engineering, and education can converge for societal transformation.
Isiani, now 55, says he rejected lucrative offers from blue-chip companies and the oil sector to pursue what he calls “Education Engineering.”
“I had everything it took to start a school, but I knew that would limit my impact,” he said. “Instead, I chose to support all schools with tailor-made solutions—because Nigeria needs more than another school. It needs a revolution in how we teach and learn.”
The SDS founder doesn’t just create physical tools; he reimagines pedagogy. His concept of “Seamless Teaching” integrates creative design with subject delivery, particularly in difficult areas like STEM. SDS materials are engineered to aid both learning and retention, transforming classrooms into innovation centers.
Isiani also advocates what he terms “The Trinity of Human Development”—Agriculture, Education, and Engineering. He argues that Nigeria’s failure to prioritize these sectors explains much of its stunted growth.
Now shifting into what he calls the “altruistic phase” of his career, Isiani’s focus has expanded to philanthropy and teacher empowerment. Plans are underway to launch free training for educators to enhance their teaching methodologies and embrace digital tools.
But perhaps his boldest idea yet is “Immortality through Studentship”—a model that allows students to take full ownership of their learning journeys.
With a system that connects students, teachers, and parents in real-time, SDS is fostering independent, lifelong learners equipped to explore and actualize their potential, even without constant supervision.
“We want our students to discover themselves,” Isiani explains. “If we can do that, we can truly change the world.”
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Despite his achievements, Isiani remains grounded. He admits he doesn’t have all the answers but invites partnerships from local and global stakeholders who share a passion for education innovation.
With nearly three decades of impact and invention under his belt, Anthony Isiani and SDS International have proven that with vision, passion, and ingenuity, Nigeria can build homegrown solutions for a global future.
