Blackboards and Balance sheets..
Building Sustainable Institutions in Uncertain Economies
In today’s rapidly shifting economy, schools can no longer afford to run on vision alone.
Yes, education is a calling—but financial leadership is a necessity.
At LAIT ISLC 2025 in Nairobi, financial strategist and founder of Smart Stewards, Sola Adesakin, challenged school leaders to rethink sustainability in the face of economic uncertainty. Her message was clear:
“If you can't track it, you can't grow it.”
So how do you lead your school into long-term impact and financial stability?
Here are her 7 Ps of Financial Leadership—a framework every school owner, administrator, or board member needs.
1. Profitability with Purpose
Your school’s mission is noble—but without profit, it’s not sustainable.
Introduce income-generating activities (e.g., after-hours facility rentals, alumni networks, digital courses).
Know your per-student profit margin and track it every term.
Remember: impact thrives best in financially stable environments.
2. Proper Record-Keeping
No numbers? No strategy.
Use spreadsheets or accounting software (no more mental math).
Do monthly reviews.
Either train an admin staff or hire part-time financial help.
You can’t grow what you don’t measure.
3. Personal vs. School Finances
Boundaries protect your school.
Pay yourself a structured salary.
Keep personal and school accounts completely separate.
Your school is not your wallet—it’s your institution.
4. People & Personal Leadership
Systems don’t run schools—people do.
Hire wisely and invest in training.
Model financial discipline as a leader.
Build a core team that is both trusted and accountable.
Build people. Build systems. Build success.
5. Planning
Hope is not a strategy. Planning is.
Create short-term (termly), mid-term (academic year), and long-term (expansion) plans.
Budget for fees, salaries, emergencies, and growth.
Align your plans with enrollment projections and your financial goals.
6. Pricing
Price based on value, not fear.
Review your fees annually.
Communicate the value of price adjustments to parents.
Be flexible with plans—but firm with policies.
Confidence in your value builds confidence in your brand.
🤝 7. Partnerships
Collaboration is the new capital.
Partner with NGOs, EdTechs, corporates, and other schools.
Explore grants, CSR programs, and community goodwill.
Partnerships multiply resources and open unexpected doors.
Final Words:
The future of education isn’t just pedagogical—it’s financial.
Let’s build institutions that outlive us.
Let’s lead with purpose and with profit.
Let’s stop playing small with our vision, because our students—and our society—deserve better.
Love and Light
Dr. Abimbola Ogundere
Founder, LAIT AFRICA
👩🏽💼 About the Speaker:
Sola Adesakin is a renowned finance expert and founder of Smart Stewards, dedicated to helping individuals and institutions align their financial goals with long-term sustainability.
#SustainableSchools #FinancialLeadership #EducationLeadership #SmartStewards #LAITISLC2025