The urgent need to redesign the outdated curriculum in Nigeria and Africa has been emphasised at the EduFuture Conference 2025.
Participants at the event said it is unfortunate that the continent was still using last century’s solutions for this century’s problems, noting that efforts must be made to rethink education through action and inclusion.
One of the speakers at the conference held on July 10 at the American Corner Ikeja, Lagos, Ms Adétọ́lá Aríyìíkẹ́ Salau, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Education, Policy Formulation and Human Capital Development, challenged stakeholders to align educational systems with the realities of today’s learners.
“We’re using last century’s solutions for this century’s problems,” she warned. “We must reimagine African education, ensuring children are given the space to dream, create, and lead. This conference reaffirmed my belief in equity across gender and ability.”
Another speaker, Tobiloba Ajayi, noted that, “EduFuture has been a fantastic space filled with powerful calls to action. Unlike many conferences that dwell in talk, this one focused on what we must begin to do immediately.”
Also, Bimpe Femi-Oyewo stated that, “The conversations here are essential for Africa’s growth. It was inspiring to see educators and stakeholders ready to build the next skillset for future leaders. Adedolapo has done something truly significant here.”
Similarly, Bose Ogidan disclosed that, “If we want every child to have access to quality education, we must be ready to do the work. Designing inclusive curriculum isn’t optional, it’s necessary.”
Further, Temitope Ifegbesan underscored the need for grassroots involvement, submitting that, “Partnerships matter. Religious bodies, NGOs, citizens, everyone has a role to play. The government can’t do it alone.”
“At EduFuture, we discussed how to mobilize stakeholders to improve learning outcomes and increase resource mobilization. Every player must contribute to the bigger picture,” shared Temidayo Musa.
Obasanjo Fajemirokun described the conference as a necessary platform for real collaboration, noting, “It brought together people from across the education sector to think, share insights, and act. We need more of this.”
The EduFuture Conference 2025, organised by the Dolly Children Foundation, established by Ms Adedolapo Osuntuyi, brought together a powerful coalition of voices committed to reimagining education across Africa from government advisors and EdTech leaders to grassroots advocates and nonprofit founders.
“We can’t keep having the same conversations without measurable action. EduFuture is about doing the work-raising questions, building partnerships, and acting on the urgency of now,” Ms Osuntuyi stated.
A memorable highlight of the conference was a spoken word performance by Perpetual Eghonghon Adenuga, whose poetic delivery on equity, unity, and the power of education earned warm applause and a standing ovation. Her performance echoed the day’s core values, hope, justice, and possibility.