Three Nigerian educators have been named as finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024.
Myroessa Metaxa, HP’s Communications Manager for the Middle East and Africa, stated in a statement on behalf of the event organisers on Tuesday that Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Ajiboye were among the ten finalists acknowledged for their revolutionary efforts in African education.
According to the organisers, the medal is given to individuals who have displayed effective leadership and advocacy in education.
Oniyitan, the founder and Executive Director of the SEED Care and Support Foundation, has been a pioneer in measures to improve education in Nigeria.
“Her dedication and commitment to education have made a significant impact on the lives of many students and communities.
“We congratulate Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye on their well-deserved recognition as finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024,” the statement read
The statement added that the contributions of the finalists to education in Nigeria and Africa are inspiring.
A Senior Education Business Leader at HP, Mayank Dhingra, lauded the finalists.
“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 stated.
Dhingra added that HP has a goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally 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 maintained that the programme 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,”
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of T4, Vikas Pota, said that the programme honours 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.
“Leaders like Olanrewaju, Hakeem, and Josiah are the torchbearers of this mission,” Pota said.
The Africa Education Medal, established by HP and T4 Education, honours the tales of leaders who have spurred change and encouraged others to work towards providing quality education to everyone.
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.
The Africa Education Medal, now in its third year, is the oldest of three World Education Medals developed by T4 Education and HP.
The winner will be announced in October. They will be picked by a Jury of prominent individuals based on strict criteria.