When I think back to my first job as a home tutor in rural Nigeria, I remember walking long distances just to reach students in Auchi, Edo State, who were hungry to learn but had no textbooks, no computers, and sometimes no electricity. Those children were no less intelligent than their peers in cities; what they lacked was access.
Fast forward to today, the same rural communities are beginning to experience a different reality, one where students are exposed to digital tools, mobile learning platforms, and even artificial intelligence (AI). This is the power of technology in education: it transforms access into opportunity.
It was from experiences like these that I realised technology could unlock something far greater than one-on-one tutoring. That realisation led me to launch AHDEM Education and Ade-Impact, platforms built to scale the output of education technology. Through these initiatives, we’ve been able to connect hundreds of young people, teachers, and professionals with the digital skills and tools needed to thrive in a changing economy.
According to HolonIQ, Nigeria is among the top three fastest-growing EdTech markets in Africa, attracting both local and international venture funding.
Of course, technology isn’t a silver bullet. Access without application changes little. The question is not just how many devices or platforms we can deploy, but whether they are improving outcomes. For instance, does mobile learning help Nigerian students perform better in WAEC exams? Does digital training prepare graduates for jobs in banking, healthcare, or manufacturing? These are the impact metrics that matter.
The lesson from Nigeria’s growing EdTech ecosystem is that when technology is localised, priced affordably, designed for mobile-first use, and adapted to cultural contexts, it doesn’t just bridge learning gaps, it redefines them. A rural teenager can take coding lessons on a phone. A teacher in a crowded classroom can track student progress digitally. And a small business employee can leverage AI to boost productivity.
The future of education in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is inseparable from technology. Access is only the first step. The true impact comes when learning translates into livelihoods, when skills power industries, and when Africa’s youth are not just participants but leaders in the global digital economy.
That is why I believe Africa’s next great leap will not come from its natural resources, but from its ability to educate, skill, and empower its people through technology.
Adeyemi-King (FCIML) is a Sales Solutions Expert. He works at the intersection of sales, technology, and workforce development, helping technology businesses scale through optimized sales systems, digital marketing strategies, and talent development.
