This very special personal project by emerging photographer Rubee Samuel not only captures the unabashed creative potential of primary schoolchildren in Nigeria, it also aims to highlight the need for more arts education in the country.

“Traditionally careers in the creative industry has not been considered credible in the majority of Nigerian communities,” says the London-raised Nigerian photographer. “Although in recent years, there has been more acceptance of young adults diverting from academic practices to pursue their passion, creative subjects are still not included in the national school curriculum. I believe that early exposure to the arts is vital to building the next generation of Nigerian image-makers.”

With this mission in mind, Samuel self-funded workshops in two schools in Surelere, Lagos last year with kids aged four to 11. They learnt the basics of photography and styling and discovered some of Nigeria’s established photographers. The pupils then conceptualised, styled, modelled and shot their own fashion stories while Samuel took their portraits.

The joyful results tell exuberant tales – of the wise farmer who catches a thief, the wicked king from the land of Zana who does not look after his people, the maid from the kingdom of Igala who dreams of becoming a princess – as well as simple retellings of the first day at school and a trip to the cinema. Samuel hopes that the children’s evident inventiveness and confidence - encouraged by this heartfelt series - will lead them to continue to think big in years to come.