The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said that it is now crucial for Africa to create a vision for an educational curriculum that is appropriate for the rapidly changing global economy and job market.
Osinbajo made this statement on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, as he participated in a panel discussion for the opening session of the 2023 Ibrahim Governance Forum, which had the topic “Africa in the World: Multiple Assets.”
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend includes the session.
The Vice president was part of the meeting along with Special Envoy of the AU and former president of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, and Deputy Director of Cabinet for the Minister in charge of promoting Small and Medium Enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire, Hafou Toure.
Osinbajo discussed the prospects for Africa’s creative sector and educational system, among other topics.
“We could surely accomplish much more, though. To suggest that we are doing everything we can is inaccurate, in my opinion.
“But to be completely honest, I believe that we should begin by giving our children a different vision.”
He maintained that a clear picture of where Africa is going in terms of education is necessary.
He also said that it was important to convey to Africa’s youth that there was hope for the future and that promises could be made and kept.
The Vice President stated that education was about the demographics of young people.
“This is the time to consider the educational curriculum and determine how it will be relevant, produce the kind of people we want to produce, and create the opportunities we need for the jobs that will be available, the speaker said.
Mo Ibrahim, who is also the head of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, stated earlier that it had become important for Africa to adapt to the fast-paced world.
“What does Africa provide the rest of the world and what does the rest of the world offer Africa? We need to define our connection with the rest of the world,” he said.
Osinbajo joined other world leaders in congratulating Mahamadou Issoufou, the former president of the Republic of Niger who won the 2020 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, during the opening event on Friday.
