Empowering Africa’s Future through Quality Education

On September 6th, the Nigerian University of Technology and Management hosted its inaugural TEDx event (TEDxNUTM), a significant milestone for the institution. As the Founding President, I was filled with immense pride. The event's success was thanks to our brilliant alumni, who were led by Stanley Udeh. Empowered, they executed this momentous event, demonstrating the power of vision, excellence, and collaboration. 

I delivered a talk titled Unleashing Africa's Youth: The Power of Quality Education at the event. 

You see, by 2050, Africa’s youth population is projected to reach a staggering 850 million. To put this in perspective, this will represent 40% of the world’s youth population. This demographic boom is not just an African phenomenon but a global opportunity. Imagine 850 million young, vibrant minds capable of reshaping economies, industries, and societies. But whether these young Africans become trailblazers like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, or Adebayo Ogunlesi, a business magnate with significant investments in three UK airports in London and Edinburgh, or do they instead fall into lives of hardship and become economic migrants. This is a pressing question that we must answer. Will they lead the continent to new heights, or will they join the dangerous migrant trails across the Sahara, seeking unskilled jobs in foreign lands? The answer lies in two crucial factors: access to education and its quality.

Currently, over 70 million African children are out of school. At the tertiary level, the situation is equally alarming. In Nigeria alone, where there are 25 million youths between the ages of 15 and 24, fewer than 2 million are enrolled in higher education. That’s less than 30% of those who should be at university. This gap is not just a statistic—it’s a crisis of access that threatens the future of an entire generation. Even for those fortunate enough to make it into universities, many experience subpar educational environments. I was recently struck by the story of Sarah, a postgraduate student at one of Nigeria’s new-generation universities. She shared with me that until she arrived at this institution, she never realized that students were allowed to think critically. Her entire undergraduate experience had been centered on rote memorization and regurgitation—an approach that does little to foster innovation or prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

Yet, within this challenge lies a tremendous opportunity. Africa’s youth—they represent a vast reservoir of potential waiting to be unlocked. When given the right tools, they can transform not only their own futures but also the future of the continent. Take, for instance, Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave. These billion-dollar unicorns are reshaping Africa’s tech landscape and creating opportunities for thousands. Or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose literary works challenge global narratives and inspire a new generation of African voices. These leaders demonstrate what’s possible when Africa’s youth are empowered through quality education.

Nelson Mandela’s words ring truer than ever: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This is not just an inspiring quote; it’s a blueprint for Africa’s future. The key to unlocking this potential lies in transformative education. Education that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation will be crucial for the 21st century. Across Africa, new-generation universities are rising to this challenge. In Nigeria, a visionary group of industry professionals has come together to build a university with the audacious goal of ranking among the top 50 globally. I am privileged to serve as the President of this institution.

At our university, we are not merely teaching; we are transforming minds. Our world-class faculty teach in a hands-on, experiential manner, partnering with industry leaders to ensure that our programs align with real-world needs. Every student is required to complete a capstone project and launch a venture before graduation. The results speak for themselves: one of our startups has already generated nearly $10 million this year, while another has secured over $2 million in seed capital from international investors. Our graduates are entering major corporations with salaries far exceeding their previous earnings. This proves that we can cultivate world-class talent right here in Africa.

Let me share a powerful story that illustrates the impact of quality education. In 2014, Mary Katambi escaped from the clutches of Boko Haram. Despite the trauma and language barriers she faced, Mary earned an undergraduate degree in accounting. But she didn’t stop there. Through one of Nigeria’s new-generation universities, she gained crucial entrepreneurial skills, allowing her to build a global digital business. Today, Mary empowers young girls and women with tech skills, uplifts her community, and proves that education transforms individuals and can elevate entire societies. However, the task of shaping Africa’s future does not rest on educators alone. It requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. Governments must modernize educational systems and increase funding, while businesses need to invest in talent development. Individuals, whether in Africa or abroad, can contribute by supporting initiatives that promote quality education, including contributing to endowments and scholarships.

Imagine a future where Africa’s youth, empowered by transformative education, lead the continent to new heights. This is not just a dream—it is an imperative. We cannot afford to let millions of young minds be lost to poverty or despair. The power to shape Africa’s future lies in our hands, and the time to act is now. The future of Africa—and indeed the world—depends on it.

The TEDx event at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management marks the beginning of a movement, a vision for Africa’s youth to rise, thrive, and lead the way for future generations.