Bramble Network
On the 22nd of January, Bramble Network convened an impactful International Day of Education Stakeholders Dialogue, aligning with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education.” The dialogue brought together educators, development practitioners, advocates, edtech organisations, Civil societies, and students to examine the future of education through a shared lens of inclusion, innovation, and responsibility.
The dialogue opened on a deeply reflective note with a heartwarming welcome address by the Director of Bramble Network, Odunayo Aliu. Her remarks grounded the event in Bramble Network’s mission to advance equitable and inclusive education systems that intentionally centre young people as critical stakeholders. She emphasized that education reform must move beyond policy conversations to human-centred action—action that recognises young people not just as recipients, but as contributors to shaping learning systems that truly work.
This foundation was powerfully reinforced by the keynote address delivered by Edem Dorothy Ossai, whose presentation, “From Beneficiary to Co-Creator: Unlocking the Power of Youth in Transforming Education,” echoed the UN theme with clarity and conviction. Her keynote challenged the long-standing norms of how education systems are designed and who gets to shape them. She stressed that young people must transition from being passive beneficiaries of educational interventions to active co-creators of educational innovation. One of the most compelling moments of her address was her assertion that the school system was not originally designed to birth disruptive thinkers, and that the continuous exclusion of young people from decision-making spaces comes at a cost society will ultimately bear. Her message was both urgent and profound: sustainable education reform is impossible without the intentional involvement of youth.
The conversation deepened during an enlightening and highly engaging panel session that featured education practitioners from across the development sector. Drawing insights from a youth advocate, a special education advocate, a teacher trainer, and a tech professional, the panel explored the practical realities of youth engagement in education. Discussions centred on the visible gaps and systemic loopholes that emerge when young people are excluded from conversations that directly affect them. While panelists strongly advocated for youth inclusion, a powerful balance was offered by Dr. Adekunbi, who reminded the audience that empowerment must be matched with accountability. In her words, “Freedom without responsibility is catastrophic.” Her contribution underscored the importance of nurturing young people not only with opportunity but also with responsibility and guidance.
One of the most inspiring moments of the dialogue came from the students themselves. Learners from Mount Olivet Grammar School, Oba Akinbiyi Model College, Government College Ibadan, Abiodun Metropolitan Schools, and Bramble Learning Space delivered thought-provoking speeches that stirred the entire audience. Their reflections, insights, and lived experiences brought the theme of youth co-creation to life, powerfully demonstrating that young people possess the clarity, creativity, and courage required to shape the future of education when given the platform.
The event concluded on a celebratory note with awards of recognition presented to each participating school, alongside cash prizes awarded to all participating students. This closing moment reaffirmed Bramble Network’s commitment to not only amplifying youth voices but also tangibly valuing their contributions.
Beyond Ibadan, the International Day of Education Stakeholders Dialogue also took place in Ogbomoso on the 24th of January and Ondo Town on the 30th of January, further extending the reach of these critical conversations. The dialogue series will culminate in Lagos, Nigeria, in February, as Bramble Network continues to champion inclusive, youth-centred approaches to education reform.
As echoed throughout the dialogue, the future of education lies in collaboration, inclusion, and shared responsibility and young people must be at the centre of co-creating the systems meant to serve them.
-Bolade Ajimisogbe
