The Nigerian edtech startup FLOW, which specializes in creating engaging and interactive educational content based on positive psychology and social-emotional learning for students aged 7-18, is gearing up to scale its operations beyond Nigeria to additional African nations and the United Kingdom (UK).
Morayo Ojikutu, the founder of FLOW, shared with Disrupt Africa that the inspiration for FLOW sprouted from her personal journey through educational hurdles and the realization that academic achievements are not the sole measure of personal growth.
Established with the vision to extend the scope of education beyond the confines of traditional academic learning, FLOW has crafted digital platforms that serve both individual learners and educational institutions. Ojikutu’s dream is to cultivate a generation of young people who lead lives anchored in personal values and purpose.
“Our educational platform is designed to promote self-improvement and fulfillment, providing the youth with the necessary resources and knowledge to unlock their utmost potential,” Ojikutu explained.
She highlighted the shortcomings of conventional education systems, which often neglect to harness each student’s unique capabilities, focusing predominantly on memorization while overlooking the cultivation of vital soft skills such as emotional intelligence and creativity.
“By embedding crucial life skills within our educational content, FLOW bridges this critical gap, equipping children for the challenges of life, not just exams. This holistic approach distinguishes us in a market that is eager for innovative educational solutions,” Ojikutu stated.
FLOW’s curriculum incorporates principles from Positive Psychology and Behavioural Economics, and since its inception, it has formed partnerships with over 30 prestigious schools in Lagos, achieving substantial market penetration with minimal marketing efforts.
“We are now looking to expand our services to underserved schools and amplify our impact across different regions,” Ojikutu added.
With an eye on international growth, FLOW is preparing to adapt its proven educational models to suit diverse cultural and educational contexts in the UK and other African countries. The startup has garnered significant financial backing, securing US$30,000 from Orange Corners, an initiative supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and an additional US$100,000 from the Mastercard Foundation.
“These investments have been crucial for scaling our operations and refining our educational programs,” Ojikutu acknowledged.
FLOW operates on a B2B2C model, engaging both educational institutions and parents. Schools invest in teacher training packages via the FLOW Academy, while parents can enroll their children in the FLOW Club and sign up for pertinent courses. This dual revenue approach ensures a consistent flow of funds and the scalability of FLOW’s educational services, according to Ojikutu.
