How to Start a Successful Fashion School in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)

Starting a fashion school in Nigeria is a smart business move because fashion is a thriving industry—people will always need clothes, and many want to learn tailoring. However, without the right setup, many fashion schools struggle to attract students and make profits.

If you’re thinking about starting a fashion school, this step-by-step guide will help you set up a profitable and well-structured training center that stands out in Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry.

1️⃣ Get the Right Skills & Certification

Before you can teach fashion design, you must have strong sewing skills and knowledge of pattern drafting, garment construction, and fabric selection. If you are still learning, it’s best to:

✅ Train under an expert to gain real experience
✅ Get a fashion certification to boost credibility
✅ Master different aspects of tailoring, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and bespoke tailoring

At EREX Academy of Fashion, we train aspiring fashion designers to become professionals who can teach others confidently.

2️⃣ Choose a Strategic Location for Your Fashion School

Your fashion school’s location determines how easily students can access you. Here’s what to consider when choosing a location:

✅ Good road network – Ensure the area is easy to find and accessible by public transport
✅ Stable electricity – If power supply is unreliable, plan for a generator or solar power
✅ Adequate space – You need enough room for sewing machines, cutting tables, and students

At EREX Academy of Fashion, our conducive learning environment makes training easy and enjoyable for our students.

3️⃣ Get the Right Equipment for Your Fashion School

To run a successful fashion academy, you need essential fashion equipment such as:

✅ Industrial and manual sewing machines
✅ Cutting tables & pressing irons
✅ Dummies & mannequins for fittings
✅ Chairs & workstations
✅ Fabrics for student practice

TIP: You don’t have to buy everything at once—start small and expand as your school grows.

4️⃣ Create a Well-Structured Fashion Training Program

One of the biggest mistakes new fashion schools make is not having a clear curriculum. Without proper structure, students get confused, and the learning process becomes disorganized.

Your syllabus should outline:

✅ What students will learn each month
✅ Duration of courses (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.)
✅ Practical projects and assessments

At EREX Academy of Fashion, we use a step-by-step syllabus to ensure students master fashion design at every level, from beginner to advanced.

5️⃣ Market Your Fashion School & Get Students

Even if your fashion school is well-equipped, you won’t get students if people don’t know about it. Here are effective ways to promote your fashion school:

✔ Use social media – Share students’ work on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
✔ Run paid ads – Target people searching for fashion schools in Nigeria
✔ Encourage word of mouth – Ask friends and past students to spread the word
✔ Offer referral discounts – Reward students who refer others

At EREX Academy of Fashion, we use proven marketing strategies that keep our academy fully booked with students eager to learn!

6️⃣ Register Your Fashion School & Set Rules

To make your fashion school legit and credible, register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. Also, set clear rules to maintain discipline among students.

A registered fashion school attracts more students because people trust structured, legally recognized institutions over informal training centers.

7️⃣ Start Small & Expand Gradually

Don’t wait until everything is perfect before starting. Even with just one sewing machine, you can begin training students.

As your school grows, reinvest profits into getting more machines, better equipment, and marketing. Consistency is key—focus on delivering high-quality training, and more students will enroll through referrals.

Need Expert Guidance to Start Your Fashion School?

At EREX Academy of Fashion, we don’t just train students—we help fashion entrepreneurs set up and grow profitable fashion schools.

📍 Location: 48 Neni Street, Opp. Queens School, Ogui New Layout, Enugu
📞 Call: 07032113474
💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.link/lui4b1
🌐 Visit: www.erexfashionacademy.com

Our intermediate student made this hoodie and shorts from our Streetwear class! 🎉

💡 Know someone who dreams of starting a fashion school? Share this article to help them get started!