Amara Kyna Agbim, Founder, The Nanny Academy

In the heart of every thriving society are the caregivers who nurture its future. Nannies do more than watch over children—they shape young minds, provide stability, and create a foundation of love and learning. They empower working mothers, easing the delicate balance between career and motherhood. Visionaries who recognize this challenge have stepped forward, creating solutions that uplift both families and caregivers. By investing in skilled, compassionate nannies, they are supporting households and building a brighter, more resilient future.

Meet Amara Kyna Agbim, a visionary who believes that true progress begins with care, education, and opportunity. Growing up as the eldest and only daughter in a family of five, she learned early that responsibility and leadership go hand in hand. With both parents deeply rooted in education—her father, an English Literature graduate, and her mother, a school administrator—she was immersed in a world of learning, discipline, and service.

Books filled her childhood, shaping her values and broadening her perspective. She vividly recalls reading The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck at a young age, a book that sparked her understanding of purpose. At the same time, her mother’s entrepreneurial ventures, from running a poultry farm to managing a rental business, showed her the power of hard work and service.

These experiences instilled in Amara a unique vision—one that blends education, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Witnessing her parents’ dedication to both business and community, she realized that enterprise is more than profit—it’s a tool for meaningful change. Instead of taking a conventional corporate path, she created solutions that empower caregivers, support working mothers, and strengthen families. Her work is not just about building businesses; it’s about shaping a future where care is valued, opportunities are accessible, and society thrives.

Turning Nurturers into Professionals

The Nanny Academy was born from a deeply personal struggle—the challenge of juggling motherhood and a career without access to skilled, reliable childcare. Like many working mothers, Amara Kyna Agbim faced the frustration of entrusting her child to an untrained caregiver, a situation that left both families and domestic workers overwhelmed. But instead of accepting this as the norm, she saw an opportunity to rewrite the narrative—to professionalize caregiving and give dignity to a role that had long been undervalued.

In 2010, she founded The Nanny Academy, Nigeria’s first structured training institution for nannies and caregivers. Built on the belief that “education starts from birth,” the academy blends the philosophies of Jean Piaget and Howard Gardner with hands-on, real-world training. The goal was clear: to turn raw potential into skilled expertise, ensuring that caregivers not only nurture but also contribute meaningfully to a child’s development.

For generations, domestic workers—often young women from disadvantaged backgrounds—were expected to know everything yet given no guidance. The Nanny Academy shattered that mold, introducing structured programs in partnership with industry leaders. Recognized by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the academy is beyond a school—a movement. By elevating caregiving into a profession, Amara is shaping a future where childcare is skilled, respected, and transformative.

Elevating Domestic Work with Mission

Changing mindsets proved to be the toughest battle in professionalizing domestic work. Amara Kyna Agbim quickly realized that skill training alone wasn’t enough—deep-seated perceptions had to shift. The idea that domestic workers were “just help” was ingrained, and breaking that stereotype became her mission. The Nanny Academy was built not only to train caregivers but also to reshape the way society views their role. “We are not just training workers; we are restoring dignity to a profession that has been undervalued for too long,” shares Amara.

For her, women’s empowerment is more than a slogan—it’s action. The Nanny Academy champions equal pay, health insurance, and pension plans for over 3,500 domestic workers. As a UN Women’s WEPs signatory, the academy advocates for the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, ensuring lasting change. With partners like Wiscar and UN Women, Amara is proving that caregiving isn’t just work—it’s a profession that shapes futures.

Balancing Purpose, Family, and Impact

Balancing a thriving business with the demands of family life is not a fixed formula—it’s an ongoing, intentional process. As a wife and mother of four, Amara Agbim has mastered the art of prioritization. “Family is non-negotiable. Everything else must align around it,” she states. Her approach is about managing time and being fully present. Whether it’s helping with homework, sharing a meal, or simply listening, she ensures those moments are meaningful.

Her daily habits—continuous learning, gratitude, regular reading, walking 10,000 steps five times a week, and maintaining a balanced diet—are not just routines but anchors that keep her grounded. Her journey began in publishing, where she founded Worklife Magazine (2008-2011). That experience ignited her passion for service, leading to the creation of The Nanny Academy in 2010.

A multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, Amara has received numerous accolades, including the 40 Under 40 Special Recognition Award and the Business Day Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs in Nigeria Award. She holds degrees from Pan-Atlantic University, the University of Lagos, and Imo State University. Today, she continues to champion professionalization in domestic work while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

A Global Vision for The Nanny Academy

The Nanny Academy is not just expanding—it’s redefining the global care economy. By building strategic partnerships and championing the economic value of caregiving, it is positioning African talent on the world stage. “Care work is not just essential; it’s an economic powerhouse,” Amara shares. Beyond job creation, the academy is driving policy advocacy, empowering caregivers, and tackling societal inequalities head-on.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Amara’s advice is to never stop learning. In social impact ventures, adaptability is survival. Growth comes from invention, resilience, and the courage to challenge norms. As The Nanny Academy enters its next decade, its mission remains unwavering—creating a world where caregiving is valued, professionalized, and a catalyst for economic change.