Olamilekan Adekoya

Nigerian tech entrepreneur who revolutionized access to education through free online platforms

Introduction

Olamilekan Adekoya is a visionary Nigerian software developer and entrepreneur whose work has transformed educational access across Africa. Through his pioneering platform e-Learning Hub, launched in 2021, he has provided over 2 million students with free access to STEM educational resources. This initiative directly addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by democratizing access to high-quality learning materials in regions where only 1 in 5 students complete secondary education (source: UNICEF).

Innovative Solutions

Adekoya's platform integrates AI-driven adaptive learning systems with localized content created in collaboration with educators from 17 African countries. The system's machine learning algorithms automatically adjust content difficulty based on user performance, as demonstrated in a 2022 study showing 40% improvement in math proficiency among users. His team developed offline-compatible versions using Raspberry Pi devices, ensuring accessibility in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Social Impact

In 2023, the platform introduced Africa's first blockchain-based credentialing system, allowing students to securely store and share verified academic records. This innovation has facilitated university admissions for over 15,000 students from underserved regions. Partnerships with organizations like GSMA Mobile for Development have expanded reach to 19 countries through mobile network collaborations.

Recognition

Adekoya was named a 2022 Ashoka Fellow and received the African Innovation Foundation's 2023 Prize for Excellence. His TEDx talk 'Education as a Human Right' (available on YouTube) has been translated into 12 languages and viewed over 2 million times.