In a prestigious recognition of their dedication to education, three Nigerian educators have been selected as finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024.
Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye are among the top ten finalists continent-wide, recognized for their transformative work in education.
The Africa Education Medal, founded by HP and T4 Education, is the most esteemed education award in Africa. It honours leaders who have sparked change and inspired others to strive for quality education for all. The medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy in education.
Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder & Executive Director of SEED Care & Support Foundation, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering underserved communities in Nigeria through education and support programs. Her work has focused on providing educational opportunities and care services that bridge the gap for children and families in disadvantaged areas, significantly impacting their lives.
Hakeem Subair, CEO of 1 Million Teachers, has been instrumental in addressing the teacher shortage crisis in Nigeria and across Africa. His organization is dedicated to training and empowering educators, ensuring that more children have access to quality teaching. Hakeem’s innovative approach has reached thousands of teachers, helping to improve educational outcomes for countless students.
Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar & Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, has played a key role in professionalizing teaching in Nigeria. His leadership has strengthened the standards of teacher registration, ensuring that educators across the country are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern education. His efforts have contributed to raising the bar for teaching quality and enhancing the credibility of the teaching profession in Nigeria.
The winner of this year’s Africa Education Medal will be invited to attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai on 23-24 November. In recognition of the urgent need to address teacher recruitment and retention challenges, the winner will also be entitled to nominate a school of their choice to receive membership in T4 Education’s Best School to Work programme – an initiative designed to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.
Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, said:
“Congratulations to Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye on being named Finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024. 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 has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together all those who are 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, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said:
“The Africa Education Medal honours changemakers where change is needed most. Where learning gaps remain stubbornly persistent and where deep inequalities remain.
“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.”
The Finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024 are:
· Ahmed Kura, Co-Executive Director, Kenya Drylands Education Fund, Kenya
· Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa, CEO, CAMFED, Zimbabwe
· Christopher Khaemba, Co-Founder & Director, Nova Pioneer, Kenya
· Hakeem Subair, CEO, 1 Million Teachers, Nigeria
· Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar & Chief Executive, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Nigeria
· Julian Hewitt, Outgoing CEO, The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship, South Africa
· Mohammed Haroon, Principal Education Consultant, Ghana
· Nankunda Hope Mwijuka, Executive Director, Raising Teenagers Uganda, Uganda
· Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder & Executive Director, SEED Care & Support Foundation, Nigeria
· Taddy Blecher CEO & Co-Founder, Maharishi Invincibility Institute, South Africa
Nominations for the Africa Education Medal opened in February 2024 for individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are either educators or school leaders, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, or technologists.
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. They will be chosen by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.
