Stakeholders in higher education have said that the future of Africa’s development hinges on its ability to leverage technology in higher education, urging universities in Africa to invest in digital infrastructure to enhance research and teaching.

The stakeholders, who gathered at the Digital Higher Education Africa Summit 2025, themed, ‘Digital Transformation in Further and Higher Education Institutions’, organised by Argyle IT & Education at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, said that universities must rethink their role in society, adding that technology, a tool for institutional transformation, helps to drive leadership and learning outcomes.

In his opening remark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Argyle IT & Education, Opeyemi Ibukun, stated that the reason for the summit was to lead the conversation on how African universities can create and adapt technology in education processes, stressing that, “DHEA was established to develop home-grown solutions that directly address the unique challenges facing the continent in education delivery, learning, and assessment. African institutions must move beyond being mere consumers of technology to becoming its creators. The next leap in higher education will be driven by bold, locally developed innovations, not imported solutions.”

Head of Education at the African Union Commission, Sophia Ashipala, highlighted Africa’s alarmingly low digital enrolment in higher education, less than 12% compared to the global average of 85% calling it a wake-up call for urgent reform.

“We must shift from reactive to proactive, designing curricula and digital infrastructure that reflect the future we want for the continent. This is our moment to build a more resilient, inclusive system, one that prioritises STEM, green skills, and Africa-centred knowledge,” she said.
Representing the Bauchi State Government, Hon. Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza, Special Adviser on Education, emphasised the importance of state-level commitment.

He noted that the transformation must happen from the ground up, encouraging other state governments to invest in infrastructure and policies that make digital access a right, not a privilege.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Olatunbosun Alake, Commissioner, Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State, Mrs. Remi George Ashiru stated that the conversation on digital transformation in higher education was timely because Africa is advancing rapidly into AI and tech-led systems.

“Institutions must embrace technology not as a luxury but as a necessity. We must be digitally empowered, not digitally overwhelmed,” he said.

In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, noted that the digital divide in Africa is evident in the limited access to essential learning tools, including computers, internet connectivity, and digital libraries.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive Strategy for African Higher Education’, he emphasised that there is need for investment in sustainable solutions that address the lack of digital training among teachers and students.

A panel session on internet access showcased a successful model where students paid a nominal tech fee of N10,000 during registration, resulting in broadband access for over 38,000 students. The same institution later addressed power access challenges by initiating an innovative electricity support solution for student hostels.

As part of the Summit, DHEA hosted a special award ceremony to recognise trailblazers for their commitment to shaping digital education, human capital development and excellent leadership. Awardees include: Seplat Energy, Shell, NCDMB, Chevron, PTDF, MTN, Argyle IT & Education, Danvic Safety Solutions International, LOJ Educational, and I-Flow Energy Holdings.

Notable figures in attendance include: CEO, Argyle IT & Education, Opeyemi Ibukun; Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology, Mrs.
Remi George Ashiru; Chairman, Argyle IT & Education, Matthew Ibukun; Special Adviser on Higher
Education and representative of the Bauchi State Governor, Hon. Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza; Vice-chancellor, University of Ilorin and Secretary General, Association of West African University, Prof. Wahab Egbewole; Vice-chancellor, Miva Open University, Prof. Oladiran Arulogun; Vice-chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Ayodele; Founding president of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka; Chief Operating Officer, Argyle IT & Education, Solikume Joel; Director, I-Flow Energy Holdings, Professor Babajide Oyeneyin; Managing Director, LOJ Education, Dr. Jide Olufuyi; Director, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Abdulmalik Halilu, among others.