Three Nigerian educators have been named among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Africa Education Medal 2024, highlighting the country’s growing influence in continental education reform. Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye are recognized for their innovative approaches to tackling Nigeria’s educational challenges.
The Africa Education Medal, now in its third year, celebrates individuals making significant impacts in education across the continent. This year’s strong Nigerian presence underscores the country’s commitment to educational improvement despite economic difficulties.
Finalist Profiles:
1. Olanrewaju Oniyitan: Founder of SEED Care and Support Foundation, Oniyitan focuses on improving access to quality education through the non-state sector. Her organization aims to impact 20,000 affordable schools, potentially reaching 1 million children by 2035.
2. Hakeem Subair: Creator of 1-Million-Teachers (1MT), Subair’s initiative has trained over 60,000 educators across 20+ countries, indirectly benefiting about 4 million students. His work addresses the critical need for well-trained, innovative teachers.
3. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye: As head of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Ajiboye introduced a mandatory professional qualifying examination for teachers in 2017. This move has significantly improved teaching standards and increased global recognition for Nigerian educators.
These finalists represent different approaches to Nigeria’s education challenges:
Oniyitan targets the affordable private school sector, a crucial provider of education in many urban and peri-urban areas.
Subair focuses on teacher training and innovation, addressing the quality of instruction.
Ajiboye works within the government system to raise professional standards for teachers nationwide.
Their selection highlights several key issues in Nigerian education:
1. The scale of the challenge: With over 20 million children out of school and 70% of in-school children experiencing learning poverty, Nigeria faces immense educational hurdles.
2. The importance of non-state actors: Both Oniyitan and Subair’s work demonstrates the crucial role of NGOs and private initiatives in complementing government efforts.
3. The need for professional development: All three finalists emphasize improving teacher quality as a cornerstone of educational reform.
4. Technology’s role: Subair’s 1MT leverages technology for teacher training, pointing to the potential of EdTech solutions in African contexts.
While the recognition is commendable, it’s important to note that these initiatives, though impactful, are still working to address massive systemic challenges. Critics might argue that more substantial government investment and policy reforms are needed alongside these individual efforts.
The Africa Education Medal not only celebrates these educators but also aims to inspire others. The winner will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Dubai and can nominate a school for T4 Education’s Best School to Work programme, potentially extending the impact of their work.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with educational challenges, the success of these finalists on the continental stage offers a glimmer of hope. Their diverse approaches suggest that a multifaceted strategy, involving both public and private sectors, may be key to transforming education in Africa’s most populous nation.
