The former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has called on African leaders to invest in education for children across the continent to foster innovation and spur development.
He made this plea during the Goodluck Jonathan Democracy Dialogue programme held in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, in southern Nigeria. The event was organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), where Kenyatta serves as the chairman.
Kenyatta emphasised the importance of education, saying, “I urge African leaders to prioritise investment in education to ensure inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all children in Africa. This will create a conducive environment for innovation and growth.”
He continued, “As we gather here today as African leaders, let us approach this task with the seriousness it deserves, knowing that these children are the future leaders of tomorrow.”
Kenyatta also highlighted the need for African leaders and policymakers to develop strategies and policies that would propel the continent forward. The former Kenyan President advised African leaders to empower youths with the necessary tools to participate actively in the global economy.
In a similar vein, the keynote speaker, Professor Olubayi Olubayi, urged governments across the continent to rethink their educational policies to foster growth and ensure inclusivity. He stressed that for Africa’s future and dignity, functional education must be prioritised within regions and countries.
Professor Olubayi further recommended that each African country establish at least one highly selective, world-class university to drive leadership, innovation, and development.
The dialogue, themed “Functional Education and Effective Leadership as a Panacea to Growth and Development,” underscored the interconnectedness of education and political leadership in fostering socio-economic progress.
The Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), Ann Iyonu, highlighted the interconnectedness of functional education and effective political leadership during this year’s Democracy Dialogue. She emphasised that effective political leadership, in turn, can create an enabling environment for education reform, investment in human capital, and the creation of opportunities for all citizens to thrive.
The event brought together stakeholders who urged African leaders to prioritise functional education and effective leadership as crucial components for achieving sustainable growth and development across the continent.
Participants included prominent African leaders, academics, development experts, and civil society representatives, all advocating for innovative educational policies to ensure sustainable development across the continent.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Thomas Boni Yayi (Benin), and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (Nigeria), among others.