By Milcah Tanimu
Prikkle Academy, an innovation hub based in Afon, Kwara, has urged African policymakers to transform the education system to preserve cultural heritage, address climate change, and promote sustainability.
This call was made during a briefing in Ilorin following the *Afrikan Ecoversities Regional Gathering 2024*, hosted by the academy from November 12–16. The event convened educators, community leaders, and innovators from across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Benin Republic, to discuss strategies for education reform.
Insights from the Gathering
The program, organized by the Ecoversities Alliance, explored ways to integrate local knowledge and community-driven solutions into education. Participants visited cultural sites, such as the Asa River for the Afon Fishing Festival and the Awon Festival in Shao, to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s rich heritage.
Founder of Prikkle Academy, Fasoranti Damilola, highlighted the need to balance cultural preservation with addressing modern challenges like climate change. “Reimagining education requires a connection to local heritage while tackling global issues,” he said.
A Hub for Innovation
Prikkle Academy, known for establishing Nigeria’s first grassroots maker space, is at the forefront of creating transformative learning environments. The academy envisions an education system that not only empowers communities but also safeguards Africa’s cultural and environmental future.
This gathering, the second of its kind in Africa, builds on the success of the inaugural event in Uganda in 2019 and underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping a sustainable educational framework for the continent.
