Nigeria’s Simi Nwogugu, the Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa and winner of the Africa Education Medal 2023 has called on changemakers across the continent to step forward for the Africa Education Medal 2024 as nominations open.
The award, founded by T4 Education and HP, stands as Africa’s foremost recognition in the field of education.
The Africa Education Medal recognises those transforming education across the continent, celebrating the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others would 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 Africa Education Medal would be given a global platform to support their work and, in recognition of the urgent need to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis to tackle learning gaps, would be entitled to nominate a school to receive membership of T4 education’s new Best School to Work programme, an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and transform their working environment to attract and retain best teachers.
In its third year, the Africa Education Medal is the oldest of the three medals established by T4 Education and HP. This year saw the launch of the new Asia Education Medal and Latin America Education Medal.
Nwogugu said winning the Africa Education Medal in 2023 has drawn significant attention to efforts by the organisation to equip young Africans for employment and financial independence.
She said: “I am aware of the numerous changemakers on our continent pushing boundaries to shape a better future for our youths. To fellow inspirational leaders, I encourage you to step forward. Apply for the Africa Education Medal in 2024; let your stories inspire thousands more. Together, we can continue to transform lives through education and pave the way for a brighter African future.”
A senior business leader at HP, Mayank Dhingra, said despite the progress made towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), significant learning gaps persist in Africa, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated learning poverty.
Dhingra, however, noted that things would be better if leaders could come together, and build a continent where every child would receive qualitative education.
While restating the organisation’s readiness to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030, Dhingra tasked government, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders to work together to improve the sector.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of T4 Education, Vikas Pota, noted that a good education is not only the key to unlocking the potential of Africa’s next generation, but it is also a right, and the Africa Education Medal is aimed at honouring those working to make it a reality.
He said: “One of the most important things we can do to improve education in Nigeria and around the world is to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis. That’s why the winner of the Africa Education Medal 2024 will not only be given a platform to advocate for their work, but also the right to nominate a school to join our Best School to Work programme, enabling schools to build a culture in which education flourishes because teachers thrive.”
The award is open to individuals working to improve early childhood, vocational and university education.
Nominees must demonstrate their contribution in improving learning outcomes; promoting girls’ education, promoting equity and broadening access to education, advancing pedagogical or technological innovation, building and strengthening educator capacity as well as championing the rights of stakeholders, among others.
The top 10 finalists will be announced in August, while a winner will emerge in September.
Nominees would be assessed by a Jury, comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.
