Maryann Igbinovia: Teaching is My Calling to Shape Lives

The Proprietress De Gloryland Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Maryann Igbinovia, says she wants to grow children who can compete with their peers globally. She also revealed how she was able to overcome the challenges after establishing the school 40 years ago. Charles Ajunwa brings the excerpts:

What inspired you to establish the school?

De Gloryland Schools were borne out of my deep love for children. When I started out as a teacher, I noticed that teaching wasn’t just a job for me – it was a calling. As I grew in the profession and later served as Headmistress in two different schools, that passion only became stronger. I began to feel a strong burden in my heart to do more than just teach in classrooms; I wanted to build something that would truly shape lives. I wanted to help raise children who would grow up with good values, the fear of God, and a strong sense of responsibility. My desire has always been to see these children become good citizens who can make a positive impact wherever they find themselves in the future. The idea for De Gloryland College came later, mainly because of the parents. Many of them were very pleased with the foundation we had laid at the Nursery and Primary levels and kept asking for a continuation. They wanted their children to remain in the same environment where they were well guided, disciplined, and properly nurtured before moving on to tertiary institutions.

At that time, quality education was not easily accessible, and I was also concerned about what many children were being exposed to – especially with the rise of internet vices, cultism, and the general moral decline in society. I didn’t want our children to end up in places where they might not be adequately cared for or guided. As a mother and a teacher, this deeply challenged me. Seeing the struggles and negative influences affecting our youths today was heartbreaking. That conviction pushed me to take responsibility and establish a secondary school where children could be protected, guided, and prepared – academically, morally, and spiritually – for life.

What were the early challenges, and how did you overcome them?

The major challenges came when we first established the Primary School. The biggest issue then was resources – everything needed to start and run a school properly required a lot of funding and planning. When it came to establishing De Gloryland College, the challenges were much less. We already had sufficient land within the Primary School premises, so we simply had to demarcate and properly plan the space to create enough ground and facilities for the College.

Of course, resources were still required. We had to set up the necessary laboratories and ensure everything met the required standards.  The process of getting approval from the Ministry of Education was also quite demanding. There were frequent visits, inspections, and follow-ups before the school and its subjects were fully approved. We also had to visit other schools to learn best practices and understand how things were properly done. Financially, it was not easy, but by the grace of God, we were able to meet the demands as they arose.

Another major challenge was getting effective, dedicated, and committed teachers. That took time. It can be very frustrating when teachers are not stable or consistent, especially in an educational environment. However, I thank God that things have taken a positive turn. Today, we are blessed with diligent, consistent, and committed teachers and workers. I was able to overcome these challenges by doing everything required on the management side, and with God’s help. We also intentionally built a strong sense of family within the school. With all humility, we see De Gloryland not just as a school, but as the Gloryland family.

How does the vision and mission of the school help in shaping the lives of the pupils?

The vision of the school is centred on raising well-rounded boys and girls who learn and grow together in a disciplined and healthy environment. We intentionally encourage positive interaction between male and female students, because we believe this helps to build mutual respect, confidence, healthy competition, and strong leadership qualities.

Our mission goes beyond just academics. While we are committed to maintaining a high standard of education, we also focus on instilling in our pupils and students the spirit of excellence and the desire to always give their best. We want them to strive for perfection in their academic pursuits and to develop the discipline and determination needed to succeed in life.

At the same time, we place great emphasis on character building. We deliberately equip our students with leadership skills, moral discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility, so they can contribute positively to society and build a better tomorrow.

Above all, our deepest desire is that our pupils and students are raised in the fear of God. We believe that when a child’s foundation is rooted in godly values, it reflects in their behaviour, decisions, and future, and that is one of the most important ways our vision and mission continue to shape their lives.

Since inception, the school has been winning laurels in many fields. What’s the secret?

First and foremost, our motto is ‘In God We Trust’, and truly, God has been at the centre of all our achievements. We recognise that without Him, none of what we have accomplished would have been possible. Beyond that, we are very intentional about balance. We have a clear vision and mission, and we work deliberately towards fulfilling them. A lot of effort goes into making sure that what we teach in principle is also practicedin reality. Hard work and discipline are key values we emphasise, both in academics and in extracurricular activities such as sports. We train our pupils and students to take their responsibilities seriously and to always give their best.

We also cultivate a mindset of consistency and excellence. From the very beginning, we have taught our students to see themselves as achievers and winners, not by cutting corners, but by working hard and staying focused.

So, in simple terms, the secret is God, combined with discipline, consistency, and a strong determination to succeed.

Is the collaboration between management and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) contributing to the growth of the school?

Absolutely. The success story of De Gloryland Schools would not be complete without the active involvement of the PTA. The association was inaugurated in 1995 and has since been a key vehicle for the rapid development of the school. Through their activities, the growth of the school has received a tremendous boost over the years.

Of course, like many institutions, we experienced a pause in PTA activities due to COVID-19, but I’m glad to say that they have now resumed, particularly at the college level.

I want to take this opportunity to commend our parents for their commitment and contributions to the PTA. Their support has been invaluable in uplifting the school and enhancing its programmes. By the grace of God, we will continue to work hand in hand with the PTA, fostering an effective and strong relationship that will drive further progress, growth, and expansion of the school.

At 40, what new innovations should we be expecting?

At 40, we see this milestone not as a point to rest, but as a fresh beginning. We have strong visions for the future, and we are very intentional about not remaining at our present level.

There are plans already in motion. We are thinking, praying, and planning carefully, and when everything is properly set in place, we will take off. For us, vision is never complete without expansion, growth, and diversification where necessary. So yes, change is coming. New ideas are being developed, structures are being strengthened, and when the time is right, we will birth these plans and expectations for everyone to see.