Adefisayo, Others Join EduTimes Africa’s Editorial Board on First Anniversary

As EduTimes Africa marked its first anniversary, the founders, Adebiyi Oke, Oladapo Akande and Kammonke Abam, recalled that when they launched the maiden edition of the education-focused monthly e-magazine a year ago, it felt like a launch into the deep. 

According to Akande, the Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief, “Our vision was to introduce a free education-based magazine with Africa in focus, which wide net would ‘capture’ everything educational; from academics to the long-neglected technical education, from sports to creative arts; from mental health to teenage counselling, health counselling and career counselling. 

“And, of course, addressing early years through tertiary and even post-tertiary education. Thankfully, we have enjoyed the buy-in of many experts, specialists and even ordinary folks across Africa and beyond who have continued to contribute by way of highly enlightening interviews and insightful articles, joining us in our quest to inform, educate and inspire the continent. our in-house motto.” 

He said the ‘deep’ was not one of uncertainty but one which the founders were sure was plentiful, as they decided that EduTimes Africa would always have something in it for everybody.

The immediate past Commissioner for Education in Lagos, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, one of three recently appointed members of EduTimes Africa’s Editorial Board, congratulated Akande and his team, saying that the magazine is swiftly becoming the voice and advocate for the education sector in Nigeria. 

“It has been quite a year of publishing a high-quality educational journal that has informed, educated and updated the public about the education sector. This is a sorely needed magazine that will change mindsets and get the public thinking critically, engaging in an informed manner and proffering ideas and suggestions for the upgrade of education. Like many others, I look forward to even more enlightening articles in the future and as a member of the newly inaugurated Editorial Board, I look forward to being a part of this laudable project going forward.”

The other two members of the new editorial board are Mr. Femi Sunmonu, co-founder of Femi Sunmonu & Associates and Africa Chair of Aliant Law, and Professor Abraham A.O, who is currently a DBA Doctoral Supervisor for Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia, Spain and a board Advisor of other institutions.

According to the the CEO, having this trio of high achievers on our Editorial Board to guide the management team can only mean one thing; success.” 

Germany-based Dr. Nader Imani, Vice-President of Festo Didactic, and recently appointed Private Sector Advisor to the European Union who is a close associate of the publication, stated that “EduTimes has truly set a benchmark in spreading ideas and promoting quality education. It addresses a critical social issue by highlighting the importance of education as a catalyst for African economies.”

He added that Africa’s future is inextricably linked to the availability of a skilled workforce, which could only be achieved through lifelong learning and access to quality education for all.

“I am pleased to be one of the supporters of EduTimes Africa and believe that a partnership brokerage will foster collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders for best practices invested in building a stronger Africa.” Speaking on behalf of the three international bureau chiefs appointed in November last year, Dr. Genevieve Duncan Obuobi, who was listed as one of the 100 most impactful change-makers in Africa by Humanitarian Awards Global 2023; and among the 40 most influential female leaders in Ghana in 2020, explained why she could not resist the call to join the EduTimes Africa team. “As a lifelong learner and a leading torchbearer for African women and youth, contributing my quota to anything that impacts the knowledge and lives of people and communities triggers my passion. Edutimes Africa is one key magazine across the continent that is keen on sharing lessons and insights on education and other topical SDGs. As such, I was elated when asked to become the International Bureau Chief for the West African region.” 

The Publisher, Adebiyi Oke, also stated that one year later, it feels like just a week has passed. Our team is fulfilled by the achievements of the past 12 months and looks forward to the upcoming year. We’ve laid the foundations for impactful policy contributions, focusing on addressing the issue of out-of-school children and integrating Sustainable Development Goals into school curricula, aligning with diverse African communities’ cultures. Encouraged by the partnerships established in 2023 and upcoming collaborations in 2024, we are confident that we will exceed our targets.