Three Nigerian educators have been named finalists for the prestigious Africa Education Medal 2024, a recognition of their significant contributions to transforming education across Africa. The announcement was made by Myroessa Metaxa, Communications Manager for the Middle East and Africa at HP, who highlighted the remarkable work of these individuals in advancing education on the continent.
The three finalists from Nigeria are:
1. Olanrewaju Oniyitan – Founder and Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation. Oniyitan has been a trailblazer in implementing educational initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes in Nigeria. Her dedication to education has made a substantial impact on the lives of numerous students and communities.
2. Hakeem Subair – Recognized for his innovative approaches to education, Subair has been instrumental in fostering educational reform and development. His efforts have helped bridge gaps in the education system, making learning more accessible and effective for many students.
3. Josiah Ajiboye – Ajiboye has played a vital role in advocating for educational policies and practices that enhance the quality of education in Nigeria. His leadership and commitment to educational excellence have inspired many within the education sector.
The Africa Education Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated impactful leadership and advocacy in the field of education. The award aims to celebrate and honor those who have sparked change and inspired others to work towards providing quality education for all.
In a statement, Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, praised the finalists for their dedication to transforming education in Nigeria, stating, “Their dedication to transforming education in Nigeria is truly inspiring and will motivate others to join the cause of ensuring quality education for all.”
HP is committed to accelerating digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. This goal emphasizes the importance of collaboration among non-governmental organizations, government bodies, educators, and businesses to improve the educational environment. The Africa Education Medal program aligns with this mission by bringing together those who are actively working to change the face of African education.
The Africa Education Medal was founded by HP and T4 Education to celebrate the stories of leaders who have driven educational change and inspired others. According to Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, the program honors changemakers where change is needed most. “If we are to tackle these colossal challenges and unlock the continent’s future, we must build a community of leaders from every sphere of society committed to educational transformation,” Pota said. “Leaders like Olanrewaju, Hakeem, and Josiah are the torchbearers of this mission.”
Nominations for the Africa Education Medal opened in February 2024. The award is open to individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational, and university education. Eligible nominees include educators, school leaders, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and technologists.
Now in its third year, the Africa Education Medal is the oldest of the three World Education Medals established by T4 Education and HP. The winner will be announced in October and will be selected by a jury of prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.
The recognition of Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Ajiboye as finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024 highlights their significant contributions to the education sector in Nigeria and across Africa. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of leadership and advocacy in achieving educational transformation. As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the winner in October, these educators remain committed to their mission of improving education for all.
