By Elizabeth Osayande

The trio, Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder and Executive Director of SEED Care & Support Foundation, Hakeem Subair, Founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers, 1MT, and, Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, have been named among the 10 Finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024.

The Africa Education Medal, founded by T4 Education and HP is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade.

This award recognises the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – celebrating the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch. It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

The winner of this year’s award will be invited to attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai on 23-24 November and, in recognition of the urgent need to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis to tackle learning gaps, the winner will be entitled to nominate a school of their choice to receive membership of T4 Education’s Best School to Work programme – an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.

Speaking of the finalists, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, Mayank Dhingra, said: “Congratulations to Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye on being named Finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024. Their passion and dedication to transforming education will inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps in building a world where quality education is enjoyed by 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.”

Also, the Founder and CEO of T4 Education, Vikas Pota, added: “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 Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah Ajiboye. Africa and the world have so much to learn from your inspirational stories and your vital contribution to the next generation.”

Other finalists included: Ahmed Kura, Co-Executive Director, Kenya Drylands Education Fund, Kenya; Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa, CEO, CAMFED, Zimbabwe; Christopher Khaemba, Co-Founder & Director, Nova Pioneer, Kenya; Julian Hewitt, Outgoing CEO, The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship, South Africa;

And Mohammed Haroon, Principal Education Consultant, Ghana; Nankunda Hope Mwijuka, Executive Director, Raising Teenagers Uganda, Uganda; and Taddy Blecher CEO & Co-Founder, Maharishi Invincibility Institute, South Africa.