Stakeholders across education, innovation, finance and leadership converged on January 29th, 2026, at the University of Lagos for the DisruptED Education Summit hosted by Edukate Africa, a platform aimed at building sustainable financial models to make education more accessible, inclusive and future-ready across the continent.
The summit opened with a welcome address by Professor Olufemi Olayemi, Founder of Young Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, who emphasized the importance of shaping young minds with positive ideas and innovative thinking. He called for a renewed perspective on Africa as a continent rich in both human and natural resources, noting that the full realization of its’ potential lies in the strategic use of ideas, technology and a paradigm shift among youths toward creativity and innovation. According to him, such transformation holds the key to driving economic, social, and educational growth.
A highlight of the event was an interactive panel session themed “Future of Work,” where experts explored the evolving landscape of education, leadership, finance and innovation in Nigeria and across Africa. The discussion focused on how existing structures can be strengthened to drive sustainable development and serve as tools for social change. Panelists included Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation; An educationist, Adetomi Soyinka; Founder of Semicolon, Ashley Emmanuel; and fellow educationist Debbie Okor.
Speaking further at the summit, Francis Omorojie, Director at Edukate Africa, stressed the urgent need to enhance youth educational talent and establish stronger financial frameworks to support skill acquisition. He explained that the core objective of the summit was to unite stakeholders in forging strategic partnerships that would guarantee access to funding for quality education for all.
Omorojie also announced plans for educational grants and endowments to kick-start Edukate Africa’s programs, signaling a concrete step toward turning discussions into action.
In addition, student ambassadors drawn from various tertiary institutions present at the event will help spread awareness of the initiative within their campuses, expanding the reach and impact of the program nationwide.
The DisruptED Education Summit marked a significant step toward reshaping Africa’s educational future, reinforcing the belief that collaboration, innovation and sustainable funding models are essential to preparing young people for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.
