Youth Exclusion Puts Education Systems at Risk of Irrelevance, Warns Aderonke
Arabinrin Aderonke, founder and executive director of the Glide Media Foundation, has issued a stark warning that education systems across Africa risk losing their relevance and impact if young people continue to be excluded from critical decision-making processes. This urgent call was made in a statement released on Saturday, January 4, to commemorate the International Day of Education 2026.
Youth Must Be Partners, Not Just Beneficiaries
"Education should not be something done for young people alone, it must be built with them," Aderonke emphasized. She argued that when youth are engaged as active partners in learning, education becomes more relevant, inclusive, and impactful. This perspective aligns with the 2026 International Day of Education theme, "The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education," which positions young people as essential collaborators in designing learning systems that reflect contemporary realities.
The rapid digital transformation sweeping across societies has fundamentally altered how young people learn, communicate, and engage with their communities. Aderonke stressed that education frameworks must evolve accordingly to remain effective and meaningful in this new landscape.
Media's Transformative Role in Modern Education
Aderonke highlighted the critical role that media and communication platforms now play in connecting learners with educators and policymakers. "Beyond classrooms, learning continues through stories, conversations, and digital spaces," she noted. Media has the unique ability to connect diverse educational stakeholders while inspiring curiosity and fostering lifelong learning habits.
The Glide Media Foundation, which utilizes digital platforms, advocacy campaigns, and creative communication tools to support youth-led learning initiatives, renewed its calls for deeper youth involvement in shaping education systems across Africa and beyond. The foundation believes media can play a transformative role in education by shaping public awareness, strengthening accountability, and expanding access to information, particularly for underserved communities.
Essential Skills for a Changing World
Aderonke also emphasized the importance of equipping young people with skills that extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. "In a rapidly changing world, education must help young people think critically, communicate responsibly, and navigate digital environments with confidence," she stated. These competencies are essential for meaningful participation, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship in contemporary society.
As education systems respond to technological advancement and shifting global realities, the foundation has called for stronger integration of digital inclusion, media literacy, and ethical communication into learning models. According to the organization, responsible use of media can help translate education policies into lived experiences for learners.
Call for Collaborative Action and Investment
Aderonke urged governments, education authorities, civil society groups, and development partners to increase collaboration and investment in youth-informed and youth-led education initiatives. This collaborative approach is necessary to create education systems that truly serve the needs and aspirations of young people.
The International Day of Education, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2018 and first observed globally in January 2019, recognizes education as a fundamental human right and a critical driver of sustainable development, peace building, poverty reduction, and social progress. Aderonke's statements reinforce these principles while advocating for more inclusive and participatory approaches to educational development.
