When most people think of Lagos, they picture its bustling traffic, sprawling markets, and the sound of Afrobeat pulsating through the streets. But for Richard Laak, Lagos is much more than that. It is the beating heart of creativity — a launchpad for a new generation of African storytellers, innovators, and digital entrepreneurs.
At the LAAK RICHARD School of Media and Creative Arts, Richard is building an institution that is not just educating students but shaping Africa’s voice in the global media landscape. His vision is bold: to take the brilliance of Lagos talent and connect it to the world stage.
A Global Dream, Rooted In Africa
“I believe Lagos is Africa’s New York,” Richard says, with a spark in his eyes. “It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s unpredictable — but it’s also where raw creativity lives. My job is to give that creativity structure, tools, and direction so it can travel the world.”
This philosophy runs deep in the school’s DNA. Unlike traditional universities or training centers, the LAAK RICHARD School blends global standards of media education with African creativity and cultural identity. Students don’t just learn how to use a camera or edit a video; they learn how to tell stories that resonate both locally and internationally.
The school’s programs range from filmmaking and animation to voice AI development, creative writing, music production, and digital design. With world-class faculty, guest lecturers from across the globe, and a focus on practical, hands-on learning, it positions itself as a hub where innovation meets heritage.
The Power Of Media As Export
Africa is often seen as a consumer of global content rather than a producer. Richard is working to flip that narrative.
“Media is our next big export,” he explains. “We’ve seen what Afrobeat did for music. Now imagine what African film, animation, and AI-driven creativity can do when packaged right. That’s the mission — from Lagos to the world.”
To achieve this, the school actively partners with international media houses, tech startups, and creative agencies. These collaborations expose students to global standards while also spotlighting African perspectives.
The results are already visible: graduates of the school have gone on to work on film sets in Europe, design campaigns for global brands, and even build AI-driven tools for content creators in North America.
Redefining What Education Looks Like
One of the school’s unique selling points is how it blends traditional classroom learning with real-world projects. Students work on documentaries, podcasts, AI-driven storytelling tools, and creative campaigns that are not just academic exercises but market-ready products.
Richard calls it “education without borders.”
“You can’t teach media in theory alone,” he emphasizes. “Students need to be in the field, on the set, in the editing room, or writing scripts that will actually be produced. That’s how they build confidence and credibility.”
The school also emphasizes entrepreneurship. Every student leaves with not only technical skills but also an understanding of how to monetize creativity, pitch projects to investors, and run creative businesses.
Lagos As The Creative Capital
The decision to base the school in Lagos was intentional. Richard sees the city’s vibrant energy as unmatched.
“Lagos gives you resilience,” he says with a smile. “If you can produce media here, you can produce anywhere in the world.”
The school also embraces the city’s cultural diversity. Students from across Nigeria — and increasingly from other African countries — bring their unique voices and traditions into the classroom, creating a melting pot of ideas. This diversity is central to the school’s goal of telling African stories with global impact.
A Vision For The Future
Looking ahead, Richard has ambitious plans: expanding the school’s digital presence with online programs, launching an African Media Festival, and establishing satellite campuses in other African cities.
But the core of his mission remains unchanged: to train creative professionals who are globally competitive yet deeply rooted in their African identity.
“When people watch a film, listen to a podcast, or use a digital product created by our students, I want them to feel Africa,” Richard says. “Not as a stereotype, but as a source of innovation, beauty, and fresh ideas.”
Conclusion
From Lagos to the world, the LAAK RICHARD School of Media and Creative Arts is proving that Africa’s creative industry is ready to stand tall on the global stage. And at the center of it all is Richard Laak — a man with a vision big enough to turn the chaos of Lagos into a launchpad for the next generation of global storytellers.As Richard himself puts it:
“The future of media is African. And it starts right here, in Lagos.”