Learn Africa Plc delivered a strong financial performance for the 2025/2026 financial year, posting significant growth in revenue and profitability while rewarding shareholders with a higher dividend recommendation.
The leading educational publishing company recorded a 59 per cent increase in both profit before and after tax, reflecting improved operational efficiency, stronger sales and disciplined capital management.
According to its audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, Profit After Tax rose to N753.11 million from N474.98 million recorded in the previous financial year. Profit Before Tax also climbed by 59 per cent to N1.19 billion, compared with N748.21 million a year earlier.
The improved earnings translated into higher returns for shareholders, with Basic Earnings Per Share increasing by 41 per cent to 87 kobo from 62 kobo recorded in the preceding year.
Following the impressive earnings performance, the board proposed a dividend payout of 35 kobo for every ordinary share of 50 kobo each, subject to shareholders' approval at the company's Annual General Meeting.
The filing stated: “The Directors are pleased to recommend to Shareholders the payment of a dividend of 35k per ordinary share of 50 Kobo each for the year ended 31 March 2026, which amounts to N303,758,787 subject to the approval of the members at the Annual General Meeting.”
It added that eligible shareholders would receive the dividend after statutory deductions once the proposal receives approval.
According to the company, “If approved, the dividend is payable less withholding tax to all members whose names appear in the Company’s Register of Members at the close of business on Friday, 11 September 2026.”
Revenue growth also remained strong during the year, with gross turnover rising by 19 per cent to N6.15 billion from N5.18 billion recorded in 2025, underscoring sustained demand for the company's educational materials across the country.
A breakdown of revenue by operating regions showed that the Western zone remained Learn Africa's biggest market, generating N2.08 billion compared with N1.99 billion in the previous year. Head Office operations contributed N1.40 billion, representing a significant increase from N966.11 million, while the Northern and Eastern zones generated N1.35 billion and N1.32 billion respectively.
The company also benefited from a N60 million fair value gain on its investment properties, with the valuation of those assets rising to N436 million during the financial year.
Its balance sheet strengthened further as total assets expanded by 16 per cent to N6.84 billion. The company maintained a healthy liquidity position, ending the year with cash and cash equivalents of N1.71 billion, providing additional financial flexibility for future operations and investments.
One of the highlights of the financial report was Learn Africa's debt-free position at the close of the financial year, a development that reflects improved financial stability and reduced financing costs.
The filing noted: “This represents interest on stock replacement facilities obtained from First Bank Plc and repaid during the year 2025. However, as at 31 March 2026, there was no borrowing.”
Shareholders' funds also recorded steady growth, with total equity increasing by 12 per cent to N4.57 billion from N4.08 billion. The improvement was largely driven by a 29 per cent rise in accumulated revenue reserves, which closed the year at N2.17 billion.
Looking ahead, the board expressed confidence in the company's financial health and long-term sustainability, assuring investors that its operations remain on a solid footing.
The directors stated: “Nothing has come to the attention of the directors to indicate that the company will not remain a going concern for at least twelve months from the date of this statement.”
The latest results reinforce Learn Africa's resilience in Nigeria's education publishing industry, with sustained revenue growth, stronger profitability, a debt-free balance sheet and increased shareholder returns positioning the company for another year of stable operations.