Ranks Africa x The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2025

Prize for Education 2025: Weaving the Threads of Legacy Through Learning and Leadership

By Ranks Africa Editorial Research Desk

Introduction

Education has always been the cornerstone of national development, and in Africa, its power to transform communities continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers.

The 19th Edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) — themed “Threads of Legacy” — honors outstanding young Africans whose impact in education is redefining the continent’s future.

Among the most anticipated categories this year is the Prize for Education 2025, celebrating five remarkable individuals:

Adeola Abayomi, John Onuigbo, Chioma Ukpabi, Abigael Anaza-Mark, and Afeez Iyiola.

Each nominee represents innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to expanding access to quality education in Nigeria and beyond.

ADEOLA ABAYOMI — Bridging Digital Literacy and Education Access

A passionate education advocate, Adeola Abayomi has devoted her career to integrating technology into Nigeria’s classrooms. As the founder of TechHer Learn, Adeola focuses on equipping teachers and students—especially in underserved communities—with digital literacy and STEM competencies.

Her initiative has trained over 12,000 public-school students in Lagos and Ogun states, introducing them to coding, robotics, and design thinking.

Adeola’s vision extends beyond digital education — she’s building an ecosystem that empowers young Africans to compete in a knowledge-driven economy.

“For Africa to thrive, our classrooms must produce creators, not just consumers,” says Adeola.

JOHN ONUIGBO — Redefining Public School Excellence

John Onuigbo stands as a model of grassroots educational reform. As the founder of Teach Smart Africa, he’s pioneered a network of low-cost educational interventions designed to elevate the quality of teaching in public schools.

His work in Enugu and Anambra has directly impacted over 40,000 students, improving literacy rates and teacher performance through targeted training and mentorship.

A recipient of multiple local education awards, John’s approach merges community involvement with data-driven policy advocacy, proving that systemic change starts at the local level.

“When teachers are empowered, classrooms transform, and societies rise,” Onuigbo emphasizes.

CHIOMA UKPABI — Championing Inclusive Education for Girls

As the founder of Girls Learn Africa, Chioma Ukpabi has become one of the continent’s most consistent voices for inclusive education. Her organization focuses on empowering girls in rural and conflict-affected regions through mentorship, scholarships, and menstrual health advocacy.

In 2024 alone, Girls Learn Africa distributed over 5,000 learning kits and funded 120 girls through secondary education in southeastern Nigeria.

Chioma’s grassroots activism has evolved into a regional campaign addressing gender equity in education policy.

“Educating a girl child isn’t charity, it’s the smartest investment a society can make,” Chioma affirms.

ABIGAEL ANAZA-MARK — Transforming Early Childhood Learning

Abigael Anaza-Mark, a developmental educator and founder of EduGrow Initiative, is transforming how early childhood education is perceived and delivered in Nigeria.

Her organization develops localized learning materials, trains early childhood educators, and promotes emotional intelligence as a foundation for cognitive development.

Through EduGrow, over 300 schools across northern and middle-belt Nigeria now utilize culturally responsive teaching models. Abigael is also a policy advocate, contributing to frameworks that integrate early childhood development into national education agendas.

“We must design education that feels like home to the African child,” she notes.

AFEEZ IYIOLA — Empowering Through Vocational Skills

Afeez Iyiola has dedicated his work to merging vocational training with digital empowerment. As the founder of SkillUp Naija, Afeez focuses on equipping young Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills in technology, fashion, and creative arts.

Since its inception, the initiative has trained over 15,000 youths, helping more than 4,000 transition into gainful employment or small business ownership.

Afeez’s model blends community engagement with innovation creating a replicable blueprint for sustainable youth development.

“If we build skills, we build nations,” he says simply.

The Future Awards Africa 2025  Celebrating Threads of Legacy

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) remains one of the continent’s most prestigious recognition platforms, spotlighting outstanding young Africans aged 18–31 who are driving progress across various sectors.

The 2025 theme, “Threads of Legacy,” reflects the interconnectedness of individual achievements that collectively shape Africa’s future.

This year’s headline sponsor, Knorr, alongside partners Amstel Malta, Pulse, TVC, Marketing Edge, and Dukiya Investments, reinforces the awards’ vision of celebrating youth leadership, innovation, and impact.

The event scheduled for December 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria  promises an evening of storytelling, culture, and celebration of resilience.

RankAfrica’s Partnership

In partnership with Ranks Africa, this research publication aims to amplify the achievements of young African innovators while creating visibility for transformative projects across the continent.

Together, TFAA and Ranks Africa celebrate those whose work in education not only transforms lives but ensures that the Threads of Legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Closing Reflection

From classrooms to communities, from digital spaces to vocational hubs, the 2025 nominees for the Prize for Education embody the essence of progress through knowledge.

They are redefining what it means to educate, empower, and elevate Africa’s next generation.

Through their work, one truth stands clear, education is not just about learning; it’s about legacy.