Key Insights from NEDIS 8 on Skills Development and Inclusion
The 8th edition of the National Education Innovation Summit (NEDIS education innovation summit, hosted by TEP Centre, brought together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore critical issues in education and workforce readiness. Under the theme “Skills Development for Workplace Readiness and Inclusion,” the discussions highlighted the need to rethink education systems to better equip learners for an evolving job market.
One of the central themes emerging from the summit was the importance of foundational skills. As Naila Butt, Senior Education Consultant at UNICEF, put it, “Individuals who have strong foundational skills can acquire new knowledge, they adapt to industry change and engage in lifelong learning.” This underscores the role of early education in shaping adaptable and resilient individuals who can thrive in a fast-changing economy.
Curriculum reform also emerged as a key priority. Abisola Obasanya, Education Specialist, stressed the need for competence-based learning, stating, “Our curriculum needs to empower learners. We need to prioritise competence-based learning.” This aligns with the ongoing shift towards education models that prioritise critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills over rote memorisation.
The intersection of career growth and continuous learning was another critical takeaway from the event. Foluso Aribisala, Managing Partner/CEO of Workforce Group, highlighted the direct link between investing in one’s learning and career advancement, while Daniel, Policy Analyst, in a thought-provoking remark, noted that “There is no country in the world that is better than its workforce, and there’s no country in the world where the quality of its workforce is better than the quality of its educational system. You can’t have a mediocre educational system and expect an excellent workforce.” His words reinforce the urgency of prioritising education as a national development strategy.
Beyond formal education, informal labour opportunities must also be considered. V. Scott H. Solberg, Ph.D., Professor of Human Development at Boston University, remarked, “As we talk about Africa, we need to talk about both formal and informal labour opportunities.” This highlights the importance of alternative education pathways, vocational training, and entrepreneurship in addressing skills gaps and unemployment.
Inclusion and equity, particularly regarding policy implementation, were major points of discussion. Easter, Education Policy Expert, pointed out that while policies recognise education as an equalizer, “they are not implemented because of political issues.” Similarly, Nichola, Public Health and Education Researcher, drew attention to the health barriers to education, emphasising that “access to quality education must also take into account health issues like malaria and malnutrition that affect school attendance and performance.”
The multidimensional nature of education challenges requires holistic solutions. Izunna, Education Development Specialist, noted that “The issue with education is multidimensional. So we don’t need to approach it from one particular direction.” This sentiment was echoed by Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder and Executive Director of SEED Care and Support Foundation, who shared a real-world example of access barriers. According to Oniyitan, “In Badagry, a community school serves over 300 children, but until recently, it could only be accessed by walking through a lake. The nearest public school is an hour’s walk away.” His story illustrates the stark realities that many communities still face in accessing education.
Gender inclusivity in learning environments also took center stage. Tony, a Gender and Education advocate, advised for the promotion of “equal participation and challenge gender stereotypes, ensuring that boys and girls feel empowered to learn, explore, and lead in any area of interest.” This reinforces the need for education systems to be intentionally designed to foster gender equity.
Looking Ahead: From Insights to Action
The discussions at NEDIS 8 serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the education ecosystem. It is not enough to acknowledge these challenges; targeted policies, strategic investments, and sustained collaboration are needed to transform insights into tangible impact. As TEP Centre continues its mission of driving education reform, the key messages from NEDIS 8 provide a roadmap for future initiatives aimed at building an education system that is inclusive, skills-driven, and ready for the future of work.