John Obi’s journey as an educator in Nigeria is a testament to the power of patience, empathy, and inclusion in special education. As the proprietor of Peak Height Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria, John’s focus is on providing individualized support to students with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and ADHD. Although his formal teaching experience spans just over a year, John’s deep commitment to understanding the unique challenges that special needs children face has allowed him to make a significant impact on the lives of his students.
For John, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is about more than just adapting instructional methods. It’s about truly understanding each child as a unique individual, recognizing that they may be differently abled or “differently wired.” “This understanding helps me approach each child with patience and care,” he explains. “It means going easy on them, not in the sense of being lenient, but in recognizing their individual challenges and providing them the support they need to thrive.”
In John’s classroom, inclusion plays a pivotal role. He believes in allowing his students with special needs to interact with their neurotypical peers as much as possible, provided that it is safe and beneficial for everyone involved. “Inclusion is not just about placing a child in a regular classroom,” John says. “It’s about ensuring that they are supported by their peers and that the whole class is involved in helping them achieve success.”
John’s approach to teaching is deeply personalized. He makes an effort to understand not just the academic needs of his students, but their personal interests, preferences, and social-emotional needs as well. “I take the time to listen to my students, try to hear them out, and meet them where they are,” he shares. “By creating a supportive environment and reassuring my students that I’ll always be there for them, I can help them navigate their challenges and set them up for success.”
Currently, John is applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant from KFM Making a Difference to help expand his ability to support his students. Although he is aware that the grant is typically available to educators in the U.S., John hopes that the foundation will consider extending its reach globally, especially to countries like Nigeria, where special needs children often face significant barriers to education and care. “There are so many special needs children here who lack the basic resources they need—things like food, shelter, medications, and educational tools,” he says. “This grant could make a world of difference for these children, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.”
John’s passion for helping children with special needs is most evident in the success stories of his students. One particularly memorable story involves a 7-year-old autistic boy named Desmond, who initially struggled with restlessness and had difficulty focusing on his reading. When John began teaching Desmond online, the boy was often fidgety and disengaged. But with patience, understanding, and firm guidance, John was able to create a learning environment that helped Desmond calm down and focus.
In less than four months, Desmond made remarkable progress. “I used my ‘How to Read’ method, which is tailored to the individual needs of each student,” John explains. “Desmond not only became calmer but also began reading confidently. His academic grades improved, and his self-confidence soared.”
When Desmond’s mother saw the improvements in her son’s academic performance, she was overjoyed. “She sent me a thank-you gift in cash, which was a gesture of appreciation for the difference I had made in her child’s life,” John recalls. “But the real reward was seeing Desmond’s transformation—he was more confident, more engaged, and thriving academically. Today, he continues to do well, and that success means everything to me.”
For John, success is measured not just by academic achievement but by the personal growth of each child. His focus on building self-esteem, fostering independence, and ensuring that his students feel supported and understood is at the heart of his teaching philosophy. “I want every child to feel like they have the tools to succeed, no matter what their challenges are,” he says. “I am always there for my students, to support them, guide them, and celebrate their successes.”
John Obi’s work as an educator is a shining example of what is possible when teaching is rooted in empathy, care, and a deep understanding of the individual needs of students. With the support of the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, John hopes to continue his mission of empowering children with special needs in Nigeria, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
