In a heartfelt and intellectually enriching presentation, Prof. Goski Alabi, Vice-Chancellor of Accra Metropolitan University, joined leading educationists and policymakers across the continent in celebrating the distinguished career and retirement of H.E. Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, former Honourable Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The International Symposium, held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, was themed “Tackling Grand Challenges in Education in Africa in the Context of Emerging Technologies.” The event brought together key thought leaders to reflect on Africa’s educational journey and the road ahead—particularly in adapting to the fast-evolving technological landscape.

The symposium was organized in honour of H.E. Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, a celebrated Nigerian academic, educationist, and former Minister of Education. Her contributions to the educational sector span decades, marked by passionate advocacy for girl-child education, equitable access to learning, and the modernization of Africa’s educational systems. Her tenure as Minister was known for bold reforms, inclusive policies, and the promotion of innovation in curriculum development and teacher training.

Speaking during the symposium, Prof. Goski Alabi described Professor Rufa’i as a beacon of hope and transformational leadership in Africa’s education sector. She commended the honouree for her unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and empowerment, particularly for women and young people.

Prof. Goski’s presentation addressed the transformational potential of emerging technologies in African education, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. She emphasized the importance of flexible learning models to accommodate diverse learners across the continent, the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and 5G technologies in classrooms, and the need to reimagine curricula to meet global standards while preserving African values and heritage. She also spoke about building institutional capacity to ensure both educators and learners are prepared for the digital future.

In her words, “Emerging technologies must not widen the gap in access—they must bridge it. The real challenge lies in how we deploy these tools to ensure no one is left behind.”

The event was not just a celebration of one woman’s legacy but a rallying call for a united front in tackling Africa’s pressing educational challenges. Prof. Goski Alabi reaffirmed her commitment, through Accra Metropolitan University, to champion leadership, innovation, flexibility, and entrepreneurship in education.

She ended her remarks with a note of gratitude: “It is both an honour and a responsibility to be part of the generation that carries forward the torch lit by pioneers like Prof. Rufa’i. We will continue to build the Africa they dreamed of—one student, one innovation, one policy at a time.”