The state of youth education in Africa

New research from UNESCO reveals that the world is falling short in meeting its education commitments for the sustainable development goals. As the world commemorated the 2019 International Youth Day themed 'Transforming Education', the spotlight has been cast on the state of youth education in Africa. Femi Taiwo, the Executive Director for LEAP Africa, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the current landscape of education for young people in the continent. LEAP Africa is a leadership development organization dedicated to helping young individuals unlock their potential through educational skill development. Taiwo emphasized the importance of focusing on secondary education as the foundation for equipping African youth with the necessary skills for the future job market. He pointed out that only one in four Africans have access to university education, highlighting the need for a curriculum that aligns with the demands of the 21st-century workforce. Taiwo stressed the significance of investing in teachers to enhance the quality of education and promote continuous learning opportunities. He acknowledged the strides made in improving access to basic education across Africa but underscored the urgent need to enhance the quality of education in terms of literacy and numeracy. In light of the 2019 theme of 'Transforming Education' to foster inclusivity and accessibility for young people in Africa, Taiwo commended the progress in basic education access but called for greater investment in teacher training to elevate the standard of education. The conversation also delved into the recent mandate by the Teachers Registration Council in Nigeria to stop posting non-education graduates to schools, as part of efforts to enhance the quality of education. However, Taiwo emphasized the importance of upskilling existing teachers and providing continuous training opportunities to bridge the gaps in the education system. The discussion expanded to touch upon UNESCO's budget recommendation for education, which stands at 26% but is not met by many African countries. Taiwo highlighted the need for African leaders to prioritize education funding and facilitate partnerships with the private sector to amplify investment in the sector. He emphasized the urgency of equipping young people with the skills required for the digital revolution and urged governments to enhance budget allocations for education. Taiwo called for collaboration and partnership between government entities, private organizations, and citizens to collectively address the challenges facing youth education in Africa. As the conversation drew to a close, Taiwo reiterated the critical role of investment in education infrastructure to empower African youth to compete globally. The need for increased budget allocation, collaboration, and innovative approaches to education emerged as key themes in the discussion on transforming education for the youth in Africa.