The appointments form part of a founding-year programme focused on collaboration, professional learning and the development of a representative leadership structure.

The African School Leaders’ Association has appointed an Interim Board of Advisers to support its development during the 2026–27 founding year.

In an announcement dated 7 November, ASLA named John Todd, Abigirl Mataranyika, Toyosi Babatunde and Mohammed Isabirye. The four will provide strategic guidance on governance, institutional development and the association’s future direction.

The appointments connect the emerging network with leaders working in private and international education.

They are interim advisory positions, distinct from the fuller governance structure ASLA plans to announce at its official launch in August 2027.

Experience in Governance and School Development

Todd is Director of Education and Founding Head of Charterhouse Lagos in Nigeria. His background includes international school development, governance and safeguarding.

Charterhouse’s leadership profile describes his involvement in the school from its planning stages, including building, procurement and staff recruitment.

Mataranyika is Director and Co-founder of Mutare First Steps Schools in Zimbabwe.

ASLA’s adviser profiles highlight her experience in institutional development and her commitment to education shaped by African contexts.

Together, their roles bring perspectives from establishing schools and developing the structures through which institutions are led and supported.

Teaching, Curriculum and Professional Learning

Olamitoyosi, known as Toyosi, Babatunde is Head of School at Pampers Private School in Lagos.

Her profile identifies experience in school management, curriculum development, teacher mentoring and technology integration.

Isabirye is Head of School at the International School of Gabon.

ASLA describes his expertise in International Baccalaureate programmes, curriculum development and teacher learning, alongside leadership experience across several African settings.

The association’s founding-year plans include monthly leadership webinars, regional communities, research and networking.

Topics span safeguarding, school culture, financial sustainability, staff development and responsible artificial intelligence adoption.

The planned regional communities cover West, East, Southern, Central and North Africa, providing space for discussion of local priorities alongside the wider continental programme.

Membership is free during the founding year, with applicants verified before joining. School owners, principals, headteachers, directors and senior leadership teams are among those eligible to apply.

ASLA plans to develop its constitution and governance framework ahead of nominations and leadership appointments in 2027.

For school leaders considering involvement, the founding year offers a route to contribute to the network while those structures are being formed.

Explore the adviser profiles and founding-year membership information on ASLA’s official website.