A recent report pointed the urgent need for Nigeria and other nations to boost their investment in education to address a growing global learning gap. According to findings from the HP Futures report, organized in collaboration with the Global Learning Council and T4 Education, an alarming 70% of Nigerian children aged 10 are unable to read a simple sentence.
David McQuarrie, Chief Commercial Officer at HP and chair of the HP Futures initiative, emphasized that as technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), continues to evolve, the next generation must develop the necessary skills and digital fluency to succeed in the modern world. He stated that the initiative is designed to offer actionable insights to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
Vikas Pota, founder and CEO of T4 Education, expressed his dismay at the statistics, calling it “an international scandal.” He mentioned that despite economic challenges, investing in education is crucial for the future of both nations and the world. “Skill your teachers and your children; this has to be a collective commitment to the next generation,” Pota stressed.
The HP Futures initiative convened over 100 experts—including former heads of state, education ministers, and leaders from NGOs—over six months to discuss educational challenges globally. The discussions culminated in recommendations aimed at addressing substantial learning gaps that threaten the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030.
The report referenced a 2020 study from the Washington Centre for Equitable Growth, which found that every dollar spent on education can yield a $1.66 return in economic activity, particularly beneficial during economic downturns.
The experts put forth several key recommendations to improve educational access and quality:
1. Redesign Educational Systems: Create modern curricula that reflect the demands of a 21st-century economy rather than outdated industrial models.
2. Utilize AI Effectively: Develop genuinely impactful approaches to incorporate AI in education while ensuring it enhances learning outcomes.
3. Implement Hybrid Learning: Adopt a blend of online and in-person education to increase flexibility and accessibility for all students.
4. Focus on Social-Emotional Learning: Integrate skills that promote emotional intelligence and resilience within the curriculum.
5. Update Assessment Methods: Revise assessments to ensure they provide more equitable outcomes and avoid biases tied to outdated educational frameworks.
6. Invest in Early Education: Initiatives should target disadvantaged communities to equip young learners with essential skills, especially those relevant to the digital economy.
The report also underscored the need for robust national assessment systems to effectively track educational progress, which experts argue is a cost-effective strategy for enhancing education.
HP has responded to the findings by introducing new programs aimed specifically at developing digital skills among educators and students. Among these is the HP Read AI initiative, focused on improving foundational literacy, and the HP EdTech incubator, which supports impactful educational technologies.
As nations deals with budget constraints, the call for prioritizing educational investment remains pivotal. A robust educational framework is not just a benefit to individuals; it is a necessity for a country’s growth and resilience in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
