Category: Education

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Education Growth Innovation Leadership Strategy Thought

The Future of Mentorship – [My TEDx talk]

The themes of growth, values, mentorship and leadership are some of my most endeared themes. I started life learning to embrace learning and growth, sharing what I have learnt with others willing to ‘sip’ and taking lessons from the lives of others – people i regard as ‘illuminares’.

On November 11, 2017, I gave a TEDx talk on “The Future of Mentorship – and what we can do about it” at TEDxIsaleGeneral. Beyond sharing some thoughts on this theme – which is off the beaten track, according to a mentor – I savoured the moments i had learning from other speakers and attendees. Everyone is a story worth sharing!

Sharing at TEDx IsaleGeneral

As requested, below is a -rough- transcript of the talk on The Future of Mentorship. I’ll include the link to the video when I get it from the TEDx team. I will love to read your thoughts either in the comments, via mail or on Twitter.

Future of Mentorship and What to do about it

December 12, 2012, with the help of a few friends, I started an annual leadership programme that grew from accommodating less than 30 emerging young leaders from Nigeria to over 200 young leaders from more than 35 countries. About five years into building Studership from a project to some sort of community, it struck us that we failed in one of our responsibilities.

While we succeeded in connecting and promoting drive for development in the hearts of these young people, we felt that we failed. We felt we failed because we didn’t provide a structured mentorship system for each and everyone of them.

After a couple of conversations with some fellows, I observed a pattern; though we didn’t make the mentorship component visible, mentoring happened nonetheless. Among participants. Within leadership learning teams. Within the community. In subtle and fluid manner.

Mentorship is an individual and corporate investment in hope. One of the best mentoring relationships I have had is with someone, who strives daily to be dispensable; He strives to make himself increasingly unnecessary – though available. True mentorship evolves from the diminishing dependence of the mentee on the mentor.

One of the things my experiences with mentors and mentees have taught me, is how to study and understand elements of the future. The fast changes in technological advancement and human desires will also influence what we (and generations after us) know as true mentorship.

Mentorship of the future will be influenced by what I refer to as the koinoina effect. The koinoina effect is that state of wholeness caused by deeply unique fellowship, communion and partnership in a relationship.

Briefly, let us analyse what trends to expect about about the future of mentorship: [here are three things that will characterize mentorship of the future].

1. Mentorship in the future will be characterized by a mix of high human touch and high-tech. Like we do today, we’ll continue to leverage technology to make communication, learning and collaboration easier, while holding on to – and ‘incentivising’ the – values of love, trust and compassion. Societies, clusters, organisations and individuals that thrive will be those who encourage the tradition of honesty, vulnerability and openness.

2. The line distinguishing roles of mentors and mentees will be diminished, making it easy for both parties to switch roles fluidly, at interval.

3. In few years, there will be the emergence of an artificial intelligent (AI) mind – one that has access to several other algorithmic systems and data – capable of delivering personalized advises, guidance and mentoring to individuals based on data-symmetry of individuals we admire and long to learn from. Through meta-learning – this AI will learn about our most preferred role models and can advise me based on knowledge about them.

With a very subtle presence, this AI will work like other algorithms that help us with search or recommend friends we should connect with, but with more sophisticated abilities. Using surveillance and sousveillance technologies, it will be capable of making knowledge of and from the greatest minds alive (that can be your dad, mum, the richest individual in the world, your most adored political/business figure – whoever you want). This AI will be capable of advising you based on the knowledge of whoever you admire all at once – using on available data about each of them, and their up-to-date individual online experiences. The company(ies) that control this AI will be rich in data, and the users of these AI will ‘always’ get correct, predictive responses.

Will you take advice from an AI mentor?

With the exciting revelations and experiences awaiting us in future, we must remind ourselves of the roles we need to play to enhance our humanity.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
First, more than before, there is the need for deeper connection with people and greater investments in people. Mentorship involves the peddling of hope.

Second, we need to increase our awareness of the ethics of the technology we make use of, and request that we – as a people – are at the center of our data. We need to request and ensure that while interacting with any technology, our values are recognised and honoured.

Third, we need to do some soul-searching, ask and find novel answers to some questions. How do we reconcile what technology does with the need to incentivise character values that make life worth living? How can we make that merge? How can we individually and collectively promote deeper connection within ourselves, among our communities and the generality of mankind?

Finally, we need to value our collective culture beyond race, ethnic background, sexual orientation and political inclination. I refer to the culture of being human  Over the course of the future, we need to allow our relationships reflect our humanity- our abilities to be helpful, loving, trustworthy, compassionate and human.

In the end, all we have is one another.
Thank you.

What future of mentorship do you see?

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Education Thought

Mobile First or AI First?

For several months, I and the team at LEAD Resources have been recommending that entrepreneurs think mobile first, when building products and services; we have mentioned this at masterclasses and on the #SMEClinic radio program. With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution and the seemingly prevalence of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies of this generation, I think it is imperative for the maxim to change beyond mobile first.

AI, or Artificial Intelligence hold awesome potentials in being used as a tool to solving some of the challenges we face. From ensuring personalized experiences while learning, to giving us the best of experiences in business advertising, to its potential for suiting experiences that can shape public governance, the application of AI seem boundless.

This is where it gets exiting: most of our smart phone devices have romantic relationship with artificial intelligence to give us best experiences. Governments can start thinking about People+Mobile+AI first to give citizens much more freedom in suggesting solutions; with a smart phone, GPS and some elements of AI, citizens should be able to suggest roads that need repairs, track and follow public expenditure. This will change the face of campaigning, without doubt (in future, we will have campaigns targeted at individuals rather than mass market) – in the same vein, solutions can. The purpose of governance is to deliver freedom that helps all citizens identify and fulfil purpose.

With AI and Mobile, businesses build more personalised products and create services that connect with users at a personal level. The way we consume content will be seriously affected; passive consumption model may no longer work – while this may be a good thing, it requires conscientious efforts to make it count for good. Smarter cities become much more realistic. Will empathy in technology count here?

The future of education, governance and innovation will be shaped by the tools we have. Artificial intelligence is one of these tools; how might we use it in making the world a better place, for all?

Categories
Education Growth Thought

Books for the Future

For some months, I have been exploring new things – stretching the bounds of my learning to other areas. Those who know me can testify that I like sharing; I do most sharing privately. Whenever I read things, the next big thing that I think of – apart from how to put into action the new learning – is who else I can ‘share this with’.

I have had the privilege of peeping into the future and learning from some great minds. Here is a list – not an exhaustive one though – of some books I read in 2016 and highly recommend.

 

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

I have had this book since 2015; read it and went back to it in 2016.

This book delves into the science and art of decision making, further stretching concepts like the truth about relativity, the ‘cost of zero cost’, the problem of self-control and procrastination, the high price of ownership, the power of price, the effect of expectations, the context of our character – and several other realities.

Sometimes, you aren’t always at the driver seat as you think, often times, we are swayed by the perception of our desires than reality. The chapters in the book describe forces that influence our behavior, while we mostly underestimate these forces or completely ignore them.

It is a good read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior, providing enterprise-based solutions to problems and contributing to (economic) policy development. I recommend for social entrepreneurs, policy makers and citizens who intend to see beyond perceptions.

 

Why Nations Fail 

This is one of the best books on governance I have come across by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson. I share in the school of thought that no nation can ever rise beyond the quality of its citizens (citizens, not just leaders).

Why do you think nations fail? It isn’t just lack of knowledge, but a combination of several factors. Leadership should be intentional.

 

Abundance: The Future is Better than You Think

I got to know about Peter Diamandis some years ago, while following the works of the Heretic’s Pascal Finitte. Some years later, I was reading Richard Branson’s adventures in Business Stripped Bare and saw a reference to his work again. Fortunately, I laid hold of the book – Abundance – in 2016.

This book by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler is about improving global living standards both in the developed countries and developing world, tackling global challenges, revealing solutions and embracing / harnessing the strength in evolving exponential technologies. With the myriad of challenges faced in the world today, one basic solution is to raise global standard of living.

We tend to see scarcity often and respond by ‘cutting our coats using austerity measures’. However, one of the better responses to the threat of scarcity is not to try to slice our pie thinner – rather it is to figure out how to make more pies. We are within a generation where we are able to provide goods and services once reserved for the wealthy few, to any and all who need them, or desire them. Through technology, Abundance for all is within our grasp.

I agree that we live in a world of abundance; the thoughts shared in the book relates with some of the thoughts we had talked about when I hang out with some colleagues. The concept of global citizenship, or should I say ‘global solutions making’ is such that ‘solving problem anywhere, solves problem everywhere’. Devoid of what the media wants us to believe, the world is more peaceful than it was a century ago, there is a global reduction in violence and increase in safety, the world is experiencing increasing happiness and equality. AND the future can be better than now.

I have been studying the rise of exponential technologies and the shift to the fourth industrial revolution. The question I ask is how these improvements will translate into better access to personalized education, productive human capital, affordable housing, accessible energy and improved governance for Africa and the billions of people at the base of the pyramid. Studying Abundance further strengthened my resolve to engage these technologies in solving challenges in the areas of education, governance and human capital development.

 

What other books do you think should be here?

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Education Innovation Strategy Thought

How Virtual Reality Can Help You

My first encounter with Virtual Reality – without the real immersion – was earlier in 2015. I did up some readings, reviewed some researches about the potency of the technology and somehow, left the thoughts of both virtual and augmented reality for some other things :).

Months later, I joined some great tech minds at the first Virtual Reality MeetUp in Lagos (if not in Nigeria) organised by CuratorsU. The rise in information and seemingly democratisation of Virtual Reality gears are making the virtual / augmented reality experience less expensive and more accessible to people. Just like the smartphone spread across board some years ago, it is possible for VR / AR to be accessible to most people, and contribute to how we measure or achieve productivity.

Here are some random thoughts on how VR and AR may help us become more productive as individuals and a nation.

  1. Access to education. Can children in violence-prone communities connect to the best learning resources in the world through virtual reality?
  2. Psuedo-Tourism. My first ‘e-visit’ of the pyramids of Egypt was a 3D experience several years ago. Can the same be built in Virtual Reality? Can African Heads of Government provide that for children who may be interested in knowing how the Office of their President is?
  3. Election Monitoring. Can citizens have access (through a combination of VR/AR/360 degree live cast) to monitor collation of election results?
  4. Sports and films. Imagine sitting in your room with your VR headset and seeing the live stream of a match or a movie. This might be an opportunity for actors in the sport and entertainment industry.
  5. Storing Memories. Can memories of our heroes be stored up in a VR content?
  6. Can we start seeing documentaries in 360 degree? I know we can – I have enjoyed several documentaries. How about building indigenous contents that surpass global standards.
  7. How about reviewing how appropriate what you wish to purchase at the market will fit into what you intend using it for – through AR?
  8. Better productivity from better conversations. How about holding virtual 360 degree meetings?
  9. Simulations on leadership, team building can be gamified and built on the VR framework; that way, other professionals can get to learn and build their soft skills.
  10. Hotels and bookings. How about doing a virtual check-out of rooms in hotels before booking them online? Imagine the amount and quality of time that can be saved for other productive things.

What else can be done?

The list is not yet exhaustive; what is your thought on this? What possibilities do you see?

Share your comment below. I will love to know what you think.

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Education Innovation Thought

Blue Ocean Innovation

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak at the seminar jointly organized by the Students Affairs Division and the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The association was led by Ifeanyi Okpala in whose company I am fascinated. I drafted this note – which is more of a manifesto to my colleagues – and sent it to him after the seminar.

Yesterday, March 25, 2015, I had the opportunity of a heart-to-heart conversation with some colleagues – all of whom are students from various colleges in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – gathered at the College of Engineering Auditorium, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The occasion was a capacity-building seminar put together through the combined efforts of the Students Affairs division, FUNAAB, Office of the Dean, College of Engineering, and the Nigerian University Engineering Students Association in the university. I titled my presentation ‘The Blue Ocean Innovation’. 

The conversation became inherent having realized that to have an education and a life that is, apologies to Jim Rohn, built to last, we must, as young people, take responsibility and go beyond conventional actions. We must go beyond the red oceans – boundaries defined and accepted, the general marketplace, the common approaches – and engage untapped innovation, unrealized spheres through value creation. 

As I shared yesterday, I look forward to a FUNAAB community where students go beyond academic excellence and create value by putting solutions to social problems witnessed within the community. I look forward to students of the university birthing new ideas and following them through, engaging humans and technology, and giving courage to other young people across the world to do the same. As young people, we have the resources, but we must be resourceful. 

There are resources we can always tap into – either within or outside the invisible walls of our university. There are innovation-focused programmes and open courses (MOOCs), information banks, toolkits, and other resources available for only those who seek them. I shared with some friends what I learned from a 4-week course on Adaptive Leadership – a practical leadership framework developed by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky at the Harvard Kennedy School, and offered to us by the Cambridge Leadership Associates (CLA) – which I recently concluded. Though I am studying Plant Physiology and Crop Production, it hasn’t debarred me from learning about the fundamentals involved in Human-Centered Design for Social Innovation; neither did it stop me from enrolling and learning about International Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Bocconi University, Italy. 

From what our team at AllforDevelopment discovered when planning to create our social innovation lab that can empower young people with skills to create solutions through social entrepreneurship, sometimes what holds us back from making great decisions is just one factor – us. Our major limitations are the ones we accept. We need to stop ourselves from entertaining fear and start taking action. Our time at the university should be invested into learning, flying the flag of excellence, and creating value per time. 

It is high time we conscientiously consistently started creating value. Value is created when we concentrate not only on our personal growth but also on creating solutions to the problems faced by others. We embrace and make use of several innovations because they speak to our needs. The time is now to start thinking outside the box and generate simple but golden solutions. This is more than a call, it is a challenge. It is a challenge for us to be more than we currently are; a challenge for us not to allow what is in preventing what can be. I have over the years met several intelligent and smart FUNAABites, some have concluded a part of their studies, while others are still in school. Let us connect, engage one another, and make our ‘short’ stay within the University count positively. 

There is a blue ocean out there – and in here. We need to acknowledge it, dream solutions, and engage resources to create positive value. I am interested in reading about your exploits; several lives are in earnest expectation of your action. 

Make your family and the university proud! 

Your friend, 
Damola

Categories
Education Thought

Ebola and the #UpforSchool Rising

They had gathered in numerical strength, young; most from diverse backgrounds, diverse cultural inclinations but with a unifying passion. They raised their voices – even in the face of seemingly silence-filled actions – to call attention of the world to the basics and its implication when tended and if ignored. While they leave no chance to the latter, their words and demands were unambiguous: they were rising up for school, demanding actions to get every child to school, without danger or discrimination.

It was the #UpForSchool rally that brought together young people from more than 85 countries, concerned about the global emergency in the education sector. Though they gathered in New York – with the United Nations Special Envoy on Global Education, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the UN Special Envoy for Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, Chernor Bah, Hadiza Bela Usman from Nigeria and Bamine Boye (a fellow Global Youth Ambassador from Sierra Leone), inter alios – they are supported by hundreds (or even thousands) of other young people (individuals and institutions) across the world, working remotely for quality education and increased value of learning and living for this and future generations.

With about 58 million children without access to basic education globally, I resist the temptation of not reiterating – sadly though – that about 10.5 million of them are in Nigeria. The number may, if safe schools are not secured, increase and produce less desirable aftermaths. The #UpforSchool reveille surprisingly coincided with the date announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria, for resumption of primary and secondary schools across the country. The date had previously been postponed due to the visitation of the country by the notorious Ebola Virus disease.

Fortunately, our nation has been successful in the fight against Ebola. We recorded 21 cases of EVD nationwide and a mortality of about 33 percent. The proactive response of government and development partners is highly respected and commended. I observed keenly as Nigerians – irrespective of social class – paid attention to the nitty-gritty of personal hygiene and other necessary information in the prevention and – possibly – the cure of the virus. I however opine that this attention, if equally concentrated on other important issues, including (but not limited to) education and youth development, would produce positive outcomes, especially as we count down towards the year 2015.

As young people across Nigeria return to school on October 8, there is the continuous need to make schools safe havens for conducive incremental learning. In spite of the successes recorded in containing and eradicating the Ebola virus, hands should continually be on deck to provide information about further prevention of the disease. Training of teachers on the procedural ‘first aid management’ is a favourable step in the right direction. Beyond the training, government – especially through the ministries of education and health – and other stakeholders need to pay attention to the provision of necessary up-to-date resources.

Where are the non-contact thermometers and sanitizers situated in private and government-owned primary and secondary schools across the country? Where are the cartoons, rhymes, and songs linking the adverse effect of EVD on education and how to prevent it? Where are the teenagers equipped with the necessary information to serve as peer educators (building a strong-willed commitment for positive participation)? I ask these questions, hopeful for answers. It is not enough to serve information. Information, targeted at unique audiences need to be issue-based; we want schools to be safe, we demand actions to improve the quality of education and get every child in school.

Not even Ebola can stop these.

This piece appeared on PUNCH on October 7, 2014.

Categories
Education Leadership Thought

Of Productivity and Growth; lessons from the Productivity Award

My phone rang. I had just received a call from the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta who also is the President, Association of African Universities. He sounded delighted to have spoken with me, and eager to see me. The phone welcomed several other calls, most from within the university intimating a pleasant urgency and some intuitive actions.
That morning, I was concluding plans to help facilitate a two-day training with some young professionals before returning to my ‘location’ for the community-based farming program. ‘Multitaskingly’, we were hosting an #OpenEd twitter discussion in commemoration of the 2014 Day of the African Child, with a focus on education of the African Child, the abduction of over 200 girls in Chibok, Borno state, demanding that strategies be renewed to #BringBackOurGirls and make schools, across Nigeria, safe for learning. Meeting the Vice Chancellor, he broke the news; I had been painstakingly selected for the Vice Chancellor’s Productivity Award by the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Agriculture – the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, as part of activities for the 21st and 22nd Convocation ceremonies. Values and benchmarks for the nomination, recommendation and selection were service to the university, courage, excellence, dedication, truthfulness, new initiatives, innovation, punctuality, selfless services and academic contribution. It was indeed honour and grace!

Damola Morenikeji and Professor Bamidele Oyewole; President, Association of African Universities

On the D-day, I joined other eminently distinguished personalities at the University’s Heroes Day of Recognition and Excellence. I was elated as some academics and prodigies were called to step forward for honour as their citations gave convincing glimpses of their outstandingly remarkable contributions to humanity. I was fortunate to be one. That evening, I returned home more humbled with honour and thanksgiving – as the youngest awardee and only undergraduate among the honoured prodigies –, with a plaque which I must admit sparkles amidst other plaques on my shelve and an adjoining cash of a tenth of a million naira which was duly invested into getting more resources that will aid the growth of other young people and mine – especially as the non-profit organization I founded, All for Development Foundation hosted the Youth Roundtable on Education and Democratic Governance seven days after the Heroes day. The day and activities surrounding it taught and reminded of some lessons. In it, I learnt, unlearnt and re-learnt. Some of the lessons include:
Consistency Pays!
Among several other lessons, the award attested and still attests to a long term belief that consistency pays. It reminds that even when what you do is seemingly invincible to everyone, keep doing it. Keep keeping on. When faced with challenges and you don’t know what to do, just keep breathing, keep believing, don’t let go, don’t give in. The towel is always there, we may decide to throw it in or use it to clean our sweats and proceed more intelligently and passionately, after deep reflective thoughts. It may be surprising to note that most of the projects I and our organization have embarked on for the last five years (since year 2009) are self-financed. However, two major things that kept us going were the strong conviction that what we did/do made/makes a difference and the people we are focused on are capable of making positive differences. The same principle may apply to whatever you are into, either as an academic or social entrepreneur, a musician or comedian, an artist or skills professional. Be consistent in what you do. You may learn from another long-term mission of mine, which is the conscious commitment to the consistent creation of value. Wherever you are, be there indeed!

Damola Morenikeji recieving the Productivity Award

Uphold Integrity
Integrity is more than just an attribute we mention when describing the type of leaders we want – within the students’ union, university senate, local, state and federal government and the entire society – Integrity is a key value which other values of accountability, empathy inter alia is dependent. Integrity is the reflection of morality of character in any and every situation. I once learnt from a wise man that integrity commits itself to character over personal gains, to people over things, to principles over conscience and to long-term view over immediate gratification.
Give recognition and show appreciation
Appreciation and genuine recognition matters. That, as I heard and later read is one of the reasons for the rebirth of the award; ‘the University believes that there is always a reward for outstanding performance and such reward will serve to encourage others to emulate those who have previously been recognized’. Taking it beyond official recognition, we can admit, after a deep reflective thought that others have contributed to our current success. The time to show appreciation is ripe. Appreciation begets more. As you walk through the crowd, walk slowly,recognize people’s efforts. Smile, shake hands, listen and truly appreciate the contributions of others on your growth. No man is self made. Everyone is a product of interactions with divinity and others. Robert McNamara, a former President of the World Bank, once said ‘Brains are like hearts – they go where they are appreciated’. Imagine a community where everyone is appreciated, celebrated – not just tolerated – for who they really are. The existence of this community – even within our immediate environment – is achievable.
Build quality networks and bridges
The Heroes day provided another platform to meet, interact and build bridges with others. Have you ever heard that our network is a determinant of our net worth? If we are assessed in terms of social capital – and not financial riches – how wealthy will you be? Everyday presents opportunities to build quality networks with people. Build an effective relationship with God, yourself and others. Don’t call God your father and live like an orphan. Though we may not be influential enough to choose our family – parents and siblings – however, we have the ability to choose our friends. Another wise man once challenged people to evaluate those they spend/invest their time with and decipher those that add more value to them and those that diminish their self esteem. This is not only applicable in business relationships, but also in platonic and other relationships. Decide who your friends are. Don’t be parasitic; invest positively in them too.
Discern the call and step up to the challenge

I would have made a very big mistake if I had taken the recognition and award as an unending call for celebration. Of course, it was, but also more than just a cherished recognition, it is also a call. It is a call to service; a call to stand tall in the face of adversity. For all young people reading this,

it is a call to dream more, think more, grow more and do much more. Don’t emulate the past, be the future. It is a call to build more capacity and positively influence the world within and around us. It is a call to pursue excellence through diligence; to work towards greatness, not just success. It is a call to ask ourselves pertinent questions and give honest answers. The choice is ours to heed this call.

Regardless of anything, be thankful for everything.
This is self explanatory; worry about nothing, be thankful for everything. I have never – and with grace, will never – fall prey of believing that a certain thing is not enough to be thankful for. As I mentioned earlier, appreciation is key. Permit me to set this balls rolling; I appreciate everyone that have been instrumental to my growth, everyone that I have been a blessing to, everyone that heeded to an advise I gave and got positive results. I am also appreciative of you for reading this thus far! Do the same. Love indeed!
Conclusively, productivity may not be a function of acceptance. Continue doing what is right. As young people, we have several responsibilities and rights, the future of our nation – soon – lies on our shoulders. We have to be committed to act as if our every of our action becomes a universal principle, living in respect to our values. The productivity award is a reminder to all young people that we can achieve what has been set out to achieve. Work in accordance to God’s plans for you, act diligently, seek knowledge of who you are and who you can become. In addendum to all we had discussed earlier, I urge you to treat each day with utmost commitment and sincerity. Commit yourself to honesty, reliability, and always remember this: for excellence and growth, do what you have to do, in order to do what you want to do.
I believe in you!
Categories
Education Thought

World Economic Forum and the New Vision for Education

Earlier this month, I participated in the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Abuja, Nigeria. Though the forum had the theme ‘Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs’, I was more engage in brainstorming with other global stakeholders in the education sector on how we can effectively achieve a ‘new vision for education’.

A session at the forum, co-hosted by the Global Business Coalition for Education was dedicated towards the ‘New Vision for Education’. With an insightful coordination by Sarah Brown, Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education, the session focused – among other things – on discussing strategies to reshape education for Africa’s sustainable long-term growth and competitiveness, by exploring approaches to define the education-employment gap, determine effective distribution infrastructure, deliver education through technology and fund education for growth. You can read my reflection here.

Another important highlight of the World Economic Forum was the launch of the Safe Schools initiative by the United Nations Special Envoy on Global Education, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown and the Nigerian business community.

Damola Morenikeji and Gordon Brown at #WEFAfrica
The pilot phase of the safe school initiative is meant to ensure that we have 500 safe schools in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states and other states in the Northern part of Nigeria.
It can be recalled that over a month ago, more than 200 girls were abducted at their school in Chibuk, a town in Borno state, Nigeria, causing a continuous out-pour of solidarity to ensure that actions are taken to #BringBackOurGirls. As Gordon Brown noted, effective actions should be taken to bring the abducted girls back, ensure schools are safe for learning and deal with the insecurity challenge.
Read excerpts  of my reflection on the realisation of a new vision for education here. After reading, I would love to know what you think is missing? What should we do more? What shouldn’t we do? Why? How else can we achieve this? I want to read from you!
I continually affirm, that with the right actions taken by the right people at the right time, things will turn out right.
Damola [@DamolaMore]
Categories
Education Thought

Are you Standing with Nigeria?

Dear friends,

It had been observed that Nigeria has about 10.5 million children out of school. That’s 1 in 5 of the world’s 57 million children.

Though alarming, it calls for urgent and strategic actions from government, the private sector, international development partners and individuals – including YOU – to save this situation.

Not only is education a fundamental human right, but it is one of the most effective solutions to poverty. We cannot afford not to educate the future generation of our country – education is an entitlement, but also a smart investment.

Our organisation – All for Development Foundation – calls you to Stand with Nigeria, add your voice to this call for action for quality education for the Nigerian child.

Sign the petition here: (https://secure.aworldatschool.org/page/s/nigeria-petition-2013-25)

Our future requires our commitment! Let’s stay committed.

Please share within your networks.

Thank you