‘Transforming education in Sub-Saharan Africa collective responsibility’
Dean of the Faculty of Education Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju has said transforming education in Sub-Saharan Africa requires collective responsibility, stressing that no single actor can bridge
- By Damola Kola-Dare
Dean of the Faculty of Education Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju has said transforming education in Sub-Saharan Africa requires collective responsibility, stressing that no single actor can bridge the digital divide or democratise access to emerging technologies alone.
According to him, the journey toward equity, inclusivity, and excellence must be shared.
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He said governments must lead by embedding education and digital equity into national development agendas,while expanding broadband and device access to underserved communities; funding teacher training programmes that integrate AI literacy and culturally relevant pedagogy; establishing inclusive policies that guarantee access for learners with disabilities, create a national AI-in-education strategy that prioritises equitable access across urban and rural schools, among others.
Akindoju delivered the 119th inaugural lecture of LASU. It had the theme: “Bridging Gaps, Reimagining Futures: Unveiling Digital Pathways and Innovations for Transformative Education in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
According to him, governments, educators, institutions,industry and private sector, communities and families were essential to transforming education.
The don emphasised that the future of education in Sub-Saharan Africa lies not in replicating Western models but in reimagining pathways that reflect African realities, cultures, and aspirations.
“By harnessing emerging technologies, embedding cultural relevance, and ensuring sustainability, SSA can transform the digital divide into a digital bridge—connecting learners to opportunities, communities to knowledge, and nations to development.
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“ In Sub-Saharan Africa, the integration of digital pathways and innovations can transform education systems, bridge inequities, and reimagine futures.
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As we embrace this transformation, let us remain committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence.
The journey will not be easy, but the rewards will be immeasurable. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable educational future,” he said.
Akindoju underscored the need to expand continuous professional development programmes for in-service teachers, focusing on practical usability of AI software and web-based instructional approaches, adding that creating AI literacy hubs in teacher training colleges would foster experimentation and innovation.
“By aligning infrastructure, pedagogy, localization, sustainability, AI equity, and inclusivity, stakeholders can transform the digital divide into a digital bridge. This bridge will connect learners to opportunities, communities to knowledge, and nations to development.
The charge is clear: Governments must legislate, educators must innovate, communities must participate, and industry must collaborate. Together, we can build an education system that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready—one that reflects African realities and aspirations while preparing our youth for global competitiveness,” he added.
