KEY POINTS
- Quest Schools provide tuition-free education for low-income students.
- Founder Omotosho funds the school and advocates for education equity.
- Quest offers primary, secondary, and vocational training for youth empowerment.
The founder of Quest Schools, Oyetayo Omotosho, is calling on stakeholders to provide high-quality, tuition-free education for Nigeria’s underserved students.
Omotosho, a former Chevron executive, launched Quest Schools in Ibadan, Oyo State, with a mission to empower low-income students to realize their full potential through education.
In an interview, Omotosho shared how his vision for Quest Schools was influenced by his own journey.
In 2009, he was awarded a full academic scholarship to South Carolina State University, which allowed him to achieve his dreams.
Upon returning to Nigeria in 2016, Omotosho recognized a critical need for accessible education and began by adopting a public primary school, which evolved into Quest Schools by 2018.
“Nigeria has many brilliant children who cannot reach their potential without quality education. My vision is a future where all children, regardless of background, have access to top-notch education,” Omotosho said.
Quest schools’ growth and community impact
Since its launch, Quest Schools has expanded to offer free tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies to over 1,000 students across multiple locations in southern Nigeria.
The institution, initially catering to primary school students, now includes secondary education and a vocational training center to provide continuous learning and skill development.
Quest Schools’ vocational center offers programs in graphic design, fashion, and catering, enabling students to gain practical skills and generate income before furthering their education.
Each year, approximately 3,000 children apply to join Quest Schools, but capacity limits the intake to just 3 percent of applicants.
According to Punch, Omotosho emphasized that the entire initiative is funded from his personal finances, contributing about $5,000 monthly to keep the schools running.
“We aim to transform lives through education. My hope is to collaborate with philanthropists who value education as a means to change lives and communities,” he noted, expressing a desire to bring more investors into his initiative.
Challenges and community support
Quest Schools faced challenges at the onset, with some parents skeptical about free education quality.
Despite initial doubts, Quest’s impact quickly became evident, drawing more families and support from the community.
Testimonials from parents like Isaac Ayoola highlight the school’s positive influence, citing the inclusive environment and parental involvement that enriches students’ academic and moral lives.
Faculty Dean Afolabi Akindele reflected on the project’s journey, sharing how community doubts eventually turned into trust and support for Quest’s mission.
“People thought we were a scam, but seeing the transformation in students and the dedication to their growth changed that perception,” Akindele said.
Quest Schools now serves as a model for educational equity and quality in Nigeria, showing how committed individuals can create lasting change.
Omotosho continues to work toward his vision of an inclusive educational system where every child, regardless of background, can aspire to achieve their dreams.
