TRCN boss, nine others emerge education medal finalists

Ten Africans including Registrar and Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Josiah Ajiboye, Founder and Executive Director of SEED Care & Support Foundation, Olanrewaju Oniyitan; Founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers, Hakeem Subai,  have emerged as finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024.

 Founded by T4 Education and HP, the Africa Education Medal is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade,

 recognises the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent.

The winner will be announced in October. He/she will be chosen by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.

The medal is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

A statement by T4 Education said that the winner of this year’s Africa Education Medal would be invited to attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai on 23-24 November.

Senior Education Business Leader at HP,  Mayank Dhingra, said,

“Congratulations to Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Hakeem Subair, and Josiah 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.”

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, has so much to learn from your inspirational stories and your vital contribution to the next generation.”

The other finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024 are

Co-Executive Director, Kenya Drylands Education Fund, Kenya Ahmed Kura;  CEO, CAMFED, Zimbabwe Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa; Co-Founder & Director, Nova Pioneer, Kenya, Christopher Khaemba;

 Outgoing CEO, The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship, South Africa, Julian Hewitt; Principal Education Consultant, Ghana, Mohammed Haroon; Executive Director, Raising Teenagers Uganda, Uganda Nankunda Hope Mwijuka; CEO & Co-Founder, Maharishi Invincibility Institute, South Africa, Taddy Blecher.

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.