In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared January 24th as the International Day of Education, highlighting the importance of education for all. This day is celebrated every year to recognize the significant role that education plays in global peace and development. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions of young people in promoting quality and inclusive education.
As an organization, we recognize that the contributions of young people are often overlooked. Therefore, on this International Day of Education, we want to shine a light on the efforts of young changemakers in the field of education. These changemakers are driving change in education through educational research, sustainable school programs, human capital development, creating equitable, inclusive learning systems and activating schools for the SDGs.
Meet the Education Changemakers:
- Lucky Owoicho
Lucky Owoicho is the Programs and Impact fellow at AREAi. As a passionate professional with a strong background in the international development space, specifically in the field of education he contributes to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all.
As a digital literacy advocate, he uses technology to transform education and bridge the digital divide. Through his work, he has contributed to numerous initiatives that promote digital literacy and empower marginalized communities.
- Omolola Lipede
Omolola Lipede is an accomplished Development Economist and the Chief Programs Officer at KLCI, a youth-led initiative through which she has empowered over 6,000 students in underserved communities, preparing them for future work.
Having expertise in research and data-driven strategies for development, she actively engages in program design, research, and policy formulation related to quality education, reduction of inequality, and inclusive growth.
- Zakariya Dauda Abdulgafar
Zakariya Dauda Abdulgafar is a grassroot education changemaker with many years of experience in teaching and leadership roles within the field of education. Committed to establishing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for disadvantaged children, fostering their growth and development. As the CO-Founder of Stitch-To-Educate, he empowers women in underserved communities by equipping them with fashion and designing skills to promote quality education and good living.
- Chidinma Ibemere
Chidinma Ibemere is an award-winning educator and development worker with 6 years of experience in advancing advocacies around the right to access inclusive and equitable quality education for every child, everywhere.
She has a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Bristol, UK.
- Ajibola Mujidat Oladejo
Ajibola Mujidat Oladejo is a seasoned sustainability and global citizenship educator with expertise in the intersection of sustainability, climate change, education and social impact. As a Commonwealth alumna, she founded the sustainability hub, driving the sustainable schools programme in Nigeria to integrate sustainability and global citizenship into formal education.
- Oluwademilade Adelaja
A dedicated educator, committed to advancing educational equity and social justice by providing transformative learning experiences in marginalized communities. With a fervent belief in the power of education to effect positive change, she has devoted her career to bridging educational gaps and nurturing the potential of learners from underserved backgrounds.
- Pelemo Ava Nyajo
Pelemo Ava Nyajo is a young changemaker who utilizes the art of words, particularly spoken word poetry, to break biases and advocate for causes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, mental health awareness, education and social justice.
She serves as an ambassador of Street Project Foundation, a YALI Abuja Fellow, a fellow of the prestigious Fredrich Ebert Stiftung Open Minds Young Voices, and a member of the International Youth Advisory Committee of the Netherlands embassy, where she actively promotes meaningful youth participation.
Pelemo is also a serial volunteer with several organizations. Her passion for humanity drives her to work towards creating a peaceful and harmonious world.
- Pere Numa
Pere Numa is an educator and passionate advocate for Education for Sustainable Development(ESD) from Nigeria.
As an ESD advocate and dedicated educator, she has had the privilege of nurturing young ones between the ages of 5 and 17 to become passionate advocates for sustainability. Her mission is to inspire positive change by teaching and promoting sustainability among individuals, particularly children and young adults.
As the founder and programs manager at TESDA, she focuses on Environmental Stewardship, Global Citizenship, Holistic Education and Sustainable Practices
- Ayotunde Aboderin
Ayotunde Aboderin is the country lead and Creative Arts Teacher at MUN Impact Nigeria. With his skills in curriculum development, leadership, and global citizenship education, he has mobilized hundreds of young people to establish Model United Nations (MUN) clubs in areas where access is limited, fostering a culture of diplomacy and critical thinking among students. Through this initiative, he has activated over 100 schools for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and facilitated engaging MUN debates on various global issues.
- Oluwatomi Abraham
Oluwatomi Abraham is a Coach at Teach for Nigeria. She has a strong background in the non-profit sector, and her expertise lies in rural education, program management, and talent management.
Experienced in building strong relationships with stakeholders and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful design and implementation of educational initiatives.