Telecom
Education Priorities to Help Young People Shape Africa’s Future
By: Juan Visser, Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education,
Today’s young people are navigating a world that is changing fast. From advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to the impacts of climate change and global politics, they’re preparing not just to face uncertainty, but to shape what comes next.
Juan Visser, Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education
How effectively they do this will depend in part on their education, which has a crucial role in equipping students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to thrive in the future.
Education is always evolving, but at this time of profound global change, we must keep asking ourselves if it is keeping pace. That’s what prompted the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment to undertake a large-scale research study with over 3,000 teachers and almost 4,000 students across 150 countries, including in Africa, to find out how they are experiencing education today.
Several priorities emerged in the Preparing Learners to Thrive in a Changing World study, highlighting a high degree of common thinking among students and teachers globally about where more action is needed in education to help students be ‘future-ready’.
1. Subject knowledge should be valued more in the AI era – not less
In an age where AI can deliver information within seconds, attitudes to the importance of subject knowledge are shifting.
When presented with a list of skills categories, knowledge and values, both teachers (81%) and students (73%) considered subject knowledge to be critical for students’ next step in education, but subject knowledge was the least selected option by both teachers and students when considering what is important for life beyond education.
This suggests that subject knowledge is often seen as a short-term asset for passing exams or progressing to higher education, rather than a lifelong asset. However, AI is not a shortcut to knowledge – and a solid foundation of subject knowledge is critical in helping students spot misinformation and use AI effectively.
To thrive, students need future-ready competencies such as adaptability and critical thinking – and here, subject knowledge and skills go hand in hand. We need to help students see that subject knowledge is something concrete they will draw on in the future, enabling them to assess information critically and make informed decisions.
2. Help students develop stronger self-management skills
Developing self-management skills – such as the ability to focus, prioritise tasks and regulate behaviour – emerged as a critical factor in helping students prepare for the future and adapt to changes in how we live and work. These skills can also solve some of the challenges created by digital technology, helping students to set boundaries for device use. While technology is embraced as a benefit to both teaching and learning, 70% of teachers said digital distraction and reduced attention span are challenges that technology creates in preparing students for the future. Students also voiced concerns about how their use of technology might affect them, with 66% worrying that they get distracted easily and 59% worrying about excessive screen time.
In Africa, the situation is complicated by inconsistent digital access. Many students are limited in opportunities to use technology to support learning, while those who have access, particularly via personal mobile devices, face the same struggle with distraction, such as access to social media, that students across the world are grappling with.
It’s clear that students would benefit from having more opportunities to practise self-management in school, not only to strengthen their focus but also to build resilience and help them deal with stress and anxiety. If students feel better able to manage themselves today, we are empowering them to manage new situations in the future.
3. Create safe and structured places to practise communication skills
Technology has transformed how we communicate with each other, yet the need to communicate effectively in person is not diminished. The research found that both teachers and students view communication skills, including social skills and empathy, as critical for future success.
However, the research also showed that concerns about getting communication wrong – which can be amplified in online spaces – are holding students back, with 61% of teachers saying fear of judgement is a challenge in helping students develop their interpersonal skills. Interviews with students also revealed that they may avoid disagreement due to fear of social repercussions, such as being the ‘lone voice’ or facing social judgement.
Schools can help students overcome these fears by creating a safe environment where they can develop their communication skills and build meaningful relationships.
Africa’s multilingual and diverse cultural contexts offer unique opportunities for developing communication skills.
Many African educational traditions emphasise oral communication, storytelling, and collective knowledge sharing, which support the development of communication skills in a context that students can relate to.
The tradition of active participation in African oral storytelling engages the audience, inviting them to ask questions, interact, and share their thoughts.
By incorporating African oral storytelling traditions into the curriculum, educators can create more inclusive, engaging and culturally relevant learning environments and help students develop key skills in listening, critical thinking and empathy.
4. Help students recognise when and how they are developing vital skills
With so much change in the world, it is perhaps not surprising that the research revealed students feel underprepared for the future. Only 48% of students feel prepared for their next step in education, and 45% for their future beyond it.
We also asked teachers to reflect on how well prepared they feel their students are for their futures. 67% feel students are well prepared for their next step in education, and 59% say students are well prepared for life after education.
These findings have profound implications for workforce development across Africa, where youth unemployment remains high despite growing economies.
If students don’t recognise their own readiness, they may not pursue opportunities they’re actually qualified for.
The underestimation may arise because students do not always see the skills they are developing alongside subject knowledge, nor do they understand how their school experiences can translate into future success.
To counter this, educators need to signpost students through their learning so they recognise the skills they are developing and understand how these skills may serve them in the future.
This will give them a stronger belief that they are prepared for the future and empower them to shape it.
Measuring impact: focusing on outcomes
With just under five years remaining to realise the 2030 education targets set by the United Nations, it is crucial that investments in education directly impact the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Learning quality remains a major concern, and most countries are off track to meet education targets for access, completion and learning outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, upper-secondary school completion rates are hovering at 28,9%, far from the targets identified in 2015.
Many African education systems face resource constraints, making every investment count. The move from measuring inputs to focusing on outcomes is key to accelerating progress.
Initiatives like the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship also provide a space for policymakers to strengthen the skills, knowledge and network needed to drive digital transformation in education systems.
The future of African education depends on embracing both the challenges and the unique opportunities presented by technology, evolving skill sets, and the continent’s rich cultural diversity.
Accelerating digital education is vital in Africa, but at the same time, educators must help students develop the skills and knowledge to use technology wisely.
By prioritising subject knowledge as well as skills development, strengthening self-management and communication skills, and helping young people to recognise all the ways in which they are prepared, educators can help empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Nigeria’s fast-rising youth culture and innovation community, The Gathering on 100, is heading to Enugu, with registration now open for gamers, performers, DJs, creatives, and culture enthusiasts.
MTN
The Enugu edition will take place on June 19, 2026, at ICC Hall, Okpara Square, and will bring together a new audience for the platform’s signature blend of music, gaming, live performance, community engagement, and youth-driven entertainment.
The Gathering on 100 first gained national attention in Lagos, where it transformed the National Stadium, Surulere, into a continuous 100-hour ecosystem of activity from April 22–26, 2026.
The event combined culture, commerce, entrepreneurship, gaming, fashion, and live entertainment, attracting thousands of young participants and creating opportunities for emerging talent and businesses.
The movement most recently arrived in Aba, where thousands of young people gathered for a weekend of culture, commerce and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the platform’s growing appeal across different communities and audiences.
The move to Enugu is being framed by organisers as a deliberate expansion into one of Nigeria’s largest student and youth populations. Home to major institutions including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Godfrey Okoye University and Coal City University, Enugu attracts thousands of young people from across the country each year, creating a vibrant community shaped by education, creativity, entertainment and entrepreneurship.
This concentration of young talent has helped fuel a growing ecosystem of creators, performers, gamers, digital entrepreneurs and small business owners.
In recent years, the city has hosted an increasing number of technology, entertainment and youth-focused events, reflecting the growing demand for platforms that bring together creativity, opportunity and community.
These dynamics make Enugu a natural next stop for The Gathering on 100, a platform built around showcasing talent, fostering connections and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
Registration for the Enugu edition is now open through The Gathering’s official website, with participation available across multiple categories including gaming, rap battles, DJ competitions, dance, live performances and entrepreneurship.
A key highlight of the event will be the Pitchathon, where emerging founders and business owners will have the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of judges for a chance to secure grant funding and support for business growth.
The gaming segment will feature competitive tournaments and interactive experiences designed for both casual and serious players, while rap battles and DJ showdowns will spotlight rising talent from Enugu and neighbouring states.
Attendees can also expect a large scale rave experience, live entertainment and community driven activities designed to bring together different corners of the region’s youth culture under one roof.
Beyond the entertainment, organisers say The Gathering on 100 is designed to create real opportunities for young people to connect, collaborate and gain visibility for their talents, ideas and businesses.
As the movement continues its expansion across Nigeria, the Enugu edition is expected to showcase the city’s unique blend of creativity, ambition and cultural influence while providing a platform for the next generation of innovators, performers and entrepreneurs.
Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), has said that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.
Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT).
Professor Dzidonu noted that universities exist not merely to award degrees but to develop capable human beings who can think critically, solve problems creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute meaningfully to society.
He reiterated AIT’s commitment to producing graduates who are technically competent, ethically grounded, intellectually curious, and globally competitive.
The Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) has officially welcomed newly admitted students into its academic community at a colourful matriculation ceremony held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the university’s Knowledge City Campus-Kokomlemle in Accra.
Speaking on the theme, “Preparing the Sovereign Learner for a World of Opportunity, Possibility and Difference,” the President encouraged students to adopt the Opportunity–Possibility–Difference (OPD) Perspective by recognizing opportunities, exploring possibilities, and creating meaningful differences in their lives and communities. He urged them to see beyond examinations and certificates and focus on building capability, character, and courage.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the new students as they formally became members of the AIT scholarly community, joining a university renowned for excellence in technology-driven education, innovation, research, and professional development.
The matriculating class comprises students pursuing programmes in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Project Management, and doctoral studies.
Addressing the matriculating class, the President of AIT, Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, congratulated the students on their admission and challenged them to embrace what he termed “The Age of the Sovereign Learner.” He emphasized that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.
Professor Dzidonu further challenged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them at AIT by attending lectures consistently, acting ethically, managing their time wisely, and committing themselves to lifelong learning.
He reminded them that success at the university would depend not only on the resources and support systems provided by AIT but also on their personal commitment to excellence and self-development.
On behalf of the newly admitted students, Mr. Samuel Peace Kamara delivered the matriculants’ acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to the university’s leadership, faculty, and staff for the warm reception extended to the new students.
He pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, that they would uphold the values of the university, work diligently in their studies, and strive to become responsible professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
The ceremony concluded with a formal declaration admitting the students into membership of the university community and a call on them to embrace the opportunities before them, pursue excellence, and contribute positively to national and global development.
Federal government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Mrs Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
According to the ministry, reports linking the alleged taxes to recommendations contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria do not reflect the position of the government.
It explained that recommendations contained in IMF consultation reports are advisory in nature and do not constitute policy decisions or binding obligations on the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.
The ministry also clarified that existing tax arrangements relating to petroleum products remain unchanged.
It stated that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel remains in force and has not been removed.
According to the statement, any fuel surcharge can only be introduced through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, noting that no such action is currently under consideration.
The ministry added that the current policy framework has helped cushion the impact of fluctuations in global fuel prices on households and businesses across the country.
On telecommunications services, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 had already been repealed under the country’s new tax laws.
It stressed that the duty is no longer in effect.
The ministry urged Nigerians, businesses and media organisations to disregard reports suggesting that new taxes would be imposed on telecommunications services and petroleum products.
It reiterated that Nigeria’s tax reform agenda remains focused on improving revenue administration, promoting economic growth and attracting investments rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
The ministry further assured that any future tax policy changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented in accordance with due process and existing legal provisions.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and responsible economic management aimed at supporting sustainable growth and protecting the welfare of Nigerians.
Nigeria Launches FreeTV Nationwide
NIPOST Plans Digital Postcodes for Every Building in Nigeria
Enugu to Host The Gathering on 100 as MTN-Backed Youth Movement Expands Across Nigeria
Prof. Dzidonu Urges Universities to Produce Deep Thinkers for AI Age
FG Debunks Claims of Plans to Introduce Telecoms, Fuel Taxes
CBN Extends PoS Geo-Fencing Enforcement Deadline to August 2026
NCC Drafts New Rules for Virtual Mobile Operators
London Strengthens Global Investment Ties with Africa @ First Ever London-Africa Business Summit
FG Targets Alleged N3tn Capital Flight, Opens Airtime Credit Market to Nigerian Fintechs
Easybuy Partners WAWUAfrica to Upskill 10 Million Youths and Women, Boosting Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Inclusion
E-Business3 days agoAI-Powered Cyber Threats Put Nigerian Banks on Alert
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Orders Banks, Fintechs to Host Payment Data Locally
E-Business2 days agoGalaxy Backbone @ 20, Pledges Nationwide Connectivity, Data Sovereignty
E-Financial2 days agoAnalysts Warn of Growing “Crowded Trade” in Foreign Exchange Markets
Telecom2 days agoNigeria Innovation Summit 2026 Set to Convene West Africa’s Brightest Minds to Shape the Future of Innovation
Telecom2 days agoUK Bans TikTok, Instagram, Facebook for Under-16s in Landmark Crackdown
E-Financial2 days agoACAMB Kicks-off 30th Anniversary Celebration With Tree Planting Initiative
General News3 days agoGuinea-Bissau Taps United Nigeria Airlines to Establish AIR BISSAU, National Carrier