Top 40 Nigerians Changing the Face of Education:

Top 40 Nigerians Changing the Face of Education:

Top 40 Nigerians Changing the Face of Education: Top 40 Nigerians Changing the Face of Education, Nigeria’s educational landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by individuals who are passionately committed to redefining learning and expanding access to quality education. These trailblazers are leveraging technology, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement to overcome longstanding challenges. Here, we celebrate 40 Nigerians who are making significant strides in changing the face of education across the nation.

1. Orondaam Otto

Orondaam Otto is the founder of Slum2School Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to underserved children in slums and remote communities. Recognizing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Otto led the initiative to build the first Virtual Learning Classroom in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring continuous learning for over 900 children. His innovative approach has garnered international recognition and has been featured on platforms like CNN African Voices.

2. Gideon Olanrewaju

Gideon Olanrewaju is an educational technology entrepreneur and the founder of Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi). His organization designs and provides digital and offline learning tools to improve learning outcomes for children, youth, and women not in education, employment, or training. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he pioneered DigiLearns, an EdTech startup that delivers learning content via SMS and USSD to students without internet access, utilizing basic feature phones.

3. Gossy Ukanwoke

Gossy Ukanwoke is the founder of Beni American University, Nigeria’s first digital university. His vision focuses on providing accessible and quality higher education to individuals who face constraints related to skill, money, or time. By targeting non-consumption, Ukanwoke aims to democratize education and equip a broader segment of the population with the skills needed for personal and professional development.

4. Peace Bamidele

Peace Bamidele, founder of MarkWillows Foundation, has leveraged Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to revolutionize education in Nigeria. Through training hundreds of educators, her foundation fosters improved student engagement and behavior in classrooms. Key programs like the SEL Ambassadors Project certify educators to embed SEL practices, creating a collaborative network for continuous learning and development.

5. Alex Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State launched the Abia FIRST Education Transformation Programme, a strategic initiative designed to drive sustainable transformation in the education sector and enhance the state’s socio-economic development. This program underscores the necessity of education for societal progress and reflects a commitment to improving educational infrastructure and outcomes.

6. Maya Horgan

Maya Horgan is a prominent figure among young Nigerian entrepreneurs making significant impacts across various sectors, including education. Her innovative approaches and commitment to development have positioned her as a leader to watch in 2024.

7. Tiwalola Olanubi Jnr.

Tiwalola Olanubi Jnr. is the founder of Dotts Media House, one of Africa’s leading digital marketing agencies. His enthusiasm for youth development and entrepreneurship has led him to advocate for early engagement in entrepreneurial pursuits, emphasizing the importance of starting early to chase one’s dreams.

8. Florence Chikezie

Florence Chikezie is a strategy consultant, coach, trainer, author, and investor. She is the founder and CEO of ReDahlia International Limited, a trusted business that offers free investment information to clients globally. Chikezie believes that entrepreneurship is the solution to economic problems faced by Nigeria and other countries, and she works tirelessly to support and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.

9. Bidemi Zakariyau Akande

Bidemi Zakariyau Akande is the founder and CEO of LSF|PR, one of the fastest-growing PR agencies in Nigeria. Guided by values and principles, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining core values amidst entrepreneurial challenges. Her organization has received accolades, including a certificate of excellence by the SABRE Awards, dedicated to benchmarking the best PR work globally.

10. Fred Oyetayo

Fred Oyetayo is the founder of Fresible, a digital agency in Nigeria with expertise in web development, branding, and digital marketing. With a background in law, Oyetayo has also curated the Law Repository, a platform for engagement and value orientation for Nigerian law students, lawyers, and paralegals, contributing to the educational development of legal professionals.

11. Chika Madubuko

Chika Madubuko is the founder of Greymate Care, an AI-driven caregiving platform. Her personal challenges in finding a caregiver for her grandmother inspired her to create an online platform that connects vulnerable individuals to professional caregivers, addressing a critical gap in the caregiving sector and providing educational resources for caregivers.

12. Uche Pedro

Uche Pedro is the founder and CEO of BellaNaija, a media company known for creating content in the lifestyle and entertainment domains. Passionate about nurturing the youth in her community, she founded the #BNDoGood initiative, supporting numerous non-profit organizations such as LEAP Africa, Slum2School, and Django Girls, thereby contributing to educational and social development.

13. Otto Orondaam

Otto Orondaam is the founder of Slum2School Africa, a social enterprise using technology to bring education to Africa’s slums. His organization has built virtual classrooms to teach over 900 kids in Africa, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement.

14. Kayode Adewale

Renowned educator Kayode Adewale, a Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2025, is committed to revolutionizing education in Nigeria. Despite not making it to the final round of the prestigious competition, Adewale continues to implement innovative teaching methods and inspire both students and fellow educators.

15. David Oyelowo

Acclaimed actor David Oyelowo extends his influence beyond the screen through the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls. In partnership with the GEANCO Foundation, he led a creative arts summit in Enugu, Nigeria, aiming to empower young women by providing education and opportunities in the creative arts.

16. Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie

Author Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie addresses the lack of representation for African children with special needs through her “Ugo and Sim Sim” book series. Inspired by her daughter with Down’s syndrome, her work promotes acceptance and inclusion, challenging societal norms and enriching children’s literature in Nigeria.

17. Joy Eseoghene Odiete (Jodie)

Nigerian singer Joy Eseoghene Odiete, known as Jodie, established the Chinua Children Care Foundation to support families with special needs children. Her advocacy challenges societal stigma and calls for better education and welfare systems for children with disabilities in Nigeria.

18. Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch made history as the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK, inspiring the British Nigerian community. Her success underscores the cultural values of education, ambition, and resilience prevalent among Nigerians, serving as a role model for educational and professional excellence.

19. Olanrewaju Oniyitan

As the founder and executive director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, Olanrewaju Oniyitan supports affordable non-state education sectors in Nigeria. Her work ensures access to quality education for all children by providing advocacy, evidence, and a learning network, impacting numerous communities.

20. Hakeem Subair

Hakeem Subair’s innovative approaches to education have earned him recognition as a finalist for the Africa Education Medal 2024. His dedication to improving educational outcomes in Nigeria highlights his commitment to transformative educational practices.

21. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye

Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye’s contributions to education have positioned him among the top finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024. His efforts in advancing educational standards and policies in Nigeria have been widely acknowledged.

22. Seyi Oluyole

Seyi Oluyole is the founder of Dream Catchers Academy, a free boarding educational and performing arts academy for orphaned and underserved girls. Her organization uses dance as a tool to enroll disadvantaged children into school, providing them with education and a safe space to express themselves.

23. Micheal Sunbola

As the founder of Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), Micheal Sunbola addresses hunger and poverty by delivering nutritious food and basic health services. One of LFBI’s programs, EDUFOOD, aims to improve the nutritional status and health of students affected by food insecurity, thereby enhancing their educational outcomes.

24. Edo State Government Leadership

Under visionary leadership, Edo State has achieved significant improvements in learning outcomes, teacher engagement, and governance over seven years. The state’s transformative education journey offers valuable insights into successful education system practices.

25. Young Changemakers of Nigeria

A group of 50 young Nigerians participated in the “Innovation to Transform Education Training,” equipping them with project, policy, and innovation skills. Their involvement underscores the critical role of youth in driving educational transformation across the country.

26. Sightsavers Nigeria Team

The Sightsavers Nigeria team led key education projects as part of the Inclusive Futures Disability Inclusive Development programme. Their efforts focus on making education accessible to all, particularly children with disabilities, thereby promoting inclusivity in the Nigerian education system.

27. Dr. Josiah Ajiboye

As the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Josiah Ajiboye has been pivotal in professionalizing teaching in Nigeria.

28. Gideon Olanrewaju: Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Learning

Gideon Olanrewaju is an educational technology entrepreneur and the founder of Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), an organization that designs and provides digital and offline learning tools to improve learning outcomes for children, youth, and women not in education, employment, or training. He also co-founded DigiLearns, an EdTech startup that delivers learning content via SMS and USSD technology to students without internet access, ensuring inclusive education for all.

29. Ogechi Benyeogor: Providing Affordable Education in Rural Areas

With a Master’s degree in education and four years of teaching experience, Ogechi Benyeogor established a low-cost nursery and primary school in her rural community in Asaba, Delta State. Her initiative addresses the challenges of overcrowded public schools and unaffordable private options, providing quality education to children who would otherwise lack access.

30. Damilola Okonkwo: Innovating Educational Approaches

Damilola Okonkwo is a visionary educator championing new approaches to education in Nigeria. She founded KEY Academy, focusing on innovative teaching methods that promise to reshape the Nigerian educational narrative. Her work emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future challenges.

31. Peace Bamidele: Integrating Social and Emotional Learning

Peace Bamidele, founder of MarkWillows Foundation, has leveraged Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to revolutionize education in Nigeria. He has trained hundreds of educators, fostering improved student engagement and behavior in classrooms. The foundation’s key programs include the SEL Ambassadors Project, certifying educators to embed SEL practices, and the Nigerian SEL Community, a collaborative network for continuous learning.

32. Joy Eseoghene Odiete (Jodie): Advocating for Special Needs Education

Nigerian singer Joy Eseoghene Odiete, known as Jodie, established the Chinua Children Care Foundation to support families with children with special needs. Inspired by her personal experiences, she advocates for better education and welfare systems for children with disabilities, challenging societal stigma and promoting acceptance.

33. Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie: Promoting Representation in Children’s Literature

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie began writing children’s books to address the lack of representation for African children with special needs. Her “Ugo and Sim Sim” series provides relatable and diverse characters, helping to dismantle myths and stigma around disabilities in Nigeria and promoting inclusion through literature.

34. Lola Shoneyin: Revolutionizing Children’s Publishing

Poet and publisher Lola Shoneyin launched the “Book Storm” initiative to transform Nigeria’s children’s publishing industry. Aiming to publish 100 books by 2027, this effort seeks to provide African children with relatable and diverse characters, making books mirrors of their reality and enriching their educational experience.

35. Kemi Badenoch: Inspiring Educational Ambition

Kemi Badenoch made history as the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK, exciting the British Nigerian community. Her success is part of a broader trend of Nigerian excellence in various fields, attributed to cultural values emphasizing education, ambition, and resilience. Her achievements inspire Nigerian students to pursue excellence in their educational endeavors.

36. UNESCO’s Youth Changemakers: Innovating Education

Fifty young changemakers from Nigeria participated in UNESCO’s “Innovation to Transform Education Training,” supporting the role of youth by equipping them with project, policy, and innovation skills. Their involvement signifies a commitment to transforming education through innovative approaches and youth-led initiatives.

37. World Bank’s Support: Enhancing Educational Funding

The World Bank approved a $1.57 billion loan for Nigeria to support its health and education sectors and facilitate sustainable power. This financing package aims to enhance the availability and effectiveness of funding for primary healthcare and basic education services, addressing governance issues in the delivery of education and health services.

38. Nigerian Government’s Commitment: Addressing Out-of-School Children

By 2030, Nigeria aims to ensure all children have access to inclusive, quality education. The government is implementing strategies to address the high number of out-of-school children, primarily due to insecurity in the north, to improve educational access and quality nationwide.

39. Integration of AI in Education: Accelerating Learning

By integrating generative AI as a virtual tutor, Nigerian schools have achieved striking learning gains, enabling students to accomplish two years of typical learning in just six weeks. This technological advancement is transforming education for Nigerian students, making learning more efficient and personalized.

40. Transforming Education through Technology and Entrepreneurship

Innovative thinkers in Nigeria are championing new approaches to education that promise to reshape the Nigerian narrative.

Conclusion

Top 40 Nigerians Changing the Face of Education, the contributions of these top 40 Nigerians changing the face of education reflect a profound commitment to transforming learning in the country. Through innovative teaching methods, technological advancements, policy reforms, and grassroots initiatives, they are redefining the educational landscape. Their efforts are not only bridging gaps in access to quality education but also inspiring a new generation of learners and educators. As Nigeria continues to evolve, these changemakers serve as a beacon of hope, proving that dedication and vision can overcome challenges. Their impact will shape the future, ensuring that education remains a tool for national growth and development.