Three Nigerian educators have been chosen as finalists for the prestigious Africa Education Medal 2024. They are, Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Ajiboye.
The three Nigerians are among the 10 finalists recognized for their transformative contributions to education across Africa.
The announcement was made by Myroessa Metaxa, Communications Manager for the Middle East and Africa at HP, on behalf of the event organizers on Tuesday.
Established by T4 Education and HP in 2022, the Africa Education Medal was the first of the three World Education Medals to be founded and has grown to become Africa’s most prestigious education accolade. It celebrates the leaders sparking change across the continent, bringing together all those striving for an Africa in which every child has access to quality education.
The Africa Education Medal is judged by a local Expert Jury, whose votes complement the Global Jury’s, among whom are: Brian Schreuder, a retired Superintendent General & Specialist Advisor, South Africa; Joseph Nsengimana, the Director, African Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT, Mastercard Foundation; and Vongai Nyahunzvi, Head of Africa and Chief Network Officer at Teach For All.
One of the finalists, Oniyitan, the founder and Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, has led initiatives aimed at enhancing education in Nigeria. “Her dedication and commitment to education have made a significant impact on the lives of many students and communities,” the statement reads.
The statement also acknowledged the inspiring contributions of the finalists to education in Nigeria and Africa. Mayank Dhingra, a Senior Education Business Leader at HP, praised the finalists, 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.”
Dhingra emphasized HP’s goal to promote digital equity for 150 million people worldwide by 2030. “Only by joining forces and aligning with non-governmental organisations, government, educators, and businesses can we truly improve the education environment,” he stated. He stressed that the program unites those changing the face of African education, “whose work we must all learn from if the world is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”
Vikas Pota, the founder and CEO of T4, stated that the program celebrates changemakers in areas where change is most needed. “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. Leaders like Olanrewaju, Hakeem, and Josiah are the torchbearers of this mission,” Pota said.
Nominations for the 2024 Africa Education Medal opened in February for individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational, and university education, including educators, school leaders, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, or 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.
