Education
Sustainable EdTech and the Environment: What We Can Do Now
While climate change has been at the forefront of global discussions recently, the conversations around sustainable edtech are not mainstream. Nonetheless, the effects of climate change can have a direct impact on education and need more attention in the education sector.
Concern Worldwide US describes climate change as one of the biggest threats to education. It is an apt description because extreme weather conditions result in the destruction of school buildings and other infrastructures that the school system relies on.
Even when schools are not directly affected by extreme weather conditions, school buildings are still useful for housing others displaced by these weather conditions. Also, the impact of climate change on a family’s disposable income hampers the parents’ ability to afford an education for their children.
Hence, the Climate Risk Index Report by UNICEF asserted that the climate crisis is beyond an environmental issue but also a child’s rights crisis, as children are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in society.
In view of the impact of climate change on education, it is imperative that we take a cursory look at climate change from the standpoint of education, technology, and sustainability.
Exploring the Environmental Footprint of Sustainable EdTech
With the climate change discourse in full gear, industries have taken a closer look at their contributions to the global climate crisis. The digital technology industry, of which the edtech space is a subset, is proffering solutions to the global climate crisis.
With digital technology having the capacity to reduce about 15 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, the World Economic Forum argues that the sector wields the most power to stabilize the temperatures around the globe.
A glance at the edtech space shows that edtech companies are not only bringing energy-saving software to schools but also introducing other cutting-edge learning and teaching enablements that ensure that students and educators stay in touch and perform school tasks from wherever they are. Hence, they are cutting down on the use of gas, which translates to the reduction of emissions.
However, not all edtech solutions are sustainable, which brings us to the issue of sustainable edtech. Schools and other educational institutions need to reassess the energy efficiency of their ICT units and understand the ratio of emissions generated for every student. In making buying decisions, schools should opt for sustainability in edtech solutions.
On the part of edtech companies, it is only imperative that sustainability becomes a major concern. Edtechs can achieve sustainability by reducing the consumption of energy to its barest minimum, using eco-friendly edtech solutions, and ensuring proper disposal of e-waste.
Sustainable EdTech and Reduction of Carbon Emissions in Education in Africa
According to Statista, the African continent has cumulatively emitted 48 billion metric tons of carbon between 1884 and 2020. While it is the lowest in comparison to other continents of the world, it still points to the need for reduced carbon emissions to save the planet.
Leveraging green edtech in schools across the continent wields power to reduce carbon emissions. Hence, edtech companies can use one stone to kill two birds – enhancing the quality of education while reducing the impact on the environment.
Implementing Green EdTech for Students and Educators
Schools that switch from a paper-based storage system to cloud-based storage with the use of sustainable education technology will cut their energy consumption drastically. By utilizing education technology, schools can cut down on paper-based learning, embrace online learning, and communicate with parents and other stakeholders through electronic devices.
They can also save time and energy spent while commuting. Google Meet, Zoom, and other video conferencing tools help to achieve communication between students and education without jeopardizing the face-to-face experience with in-person meetings.
Also, educators can redirect the funds saved on paper into further enriching the learning experience of students, which will, in turn, enhance the overall performance of students in the school.
Apart from facilitating school processes, it will serve as a vital learning curve for students, especially about the global climate crisis and the need to conserve energy. Students can learn valuable lessons about the impact of their actions and use of resources on the environment
Best Practices for Sustainable EdTech
The increased use of technology in education comes with an associated increased exposure to security threats. However, cybersecurity tools are rising to the occasion and helping schools navigate these issues. Hence, a sustainable edtech solution will take cybersecurity seriously and stay up-to-date with its cybersecurity protection.
Edtechs can also leverage artificial intelligence in the bid to remain sustainable and combat climate change. While AI can be used in edtech solutions to create personalized learning for students, it can also come in handy for helping a school gain green status. Integrating AI into edtech solutions can help schools and other educational institutions keep track of their carbon emissions and find ways to cut down on these emissions from power plants, etc.
In making edtech more sustainable, edtech solutions embracing augmented and virtual reality will give students a learning experience that does not take them outside the school walls. Hence, the school can conserve energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
Envisioning the Future of Sustainable EdTech in Africa
The future unicorns of the edtech space in Africa will be the ones that have moved beyond edtech to sustainable edtech. Indeed, climate change is a real-world problem, and edtechs also have a role to play in the grand scheme of things.
In Africa, the consequences of climate change are direr. According to the African Development Bank report, the continent is the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, even though its emissions are the lowest. Hence, tackling climate change with edtech tools will give birth to more market opportunities in the continent.
With the increasing number of edtechs in Africa, especially the edtech in Nigeria, it is only reasonable that edtech companies transition fully into sustainable education technology, combat climate change and help drive the continent closer to achieving its sustainable development goals.
Schools in Nigeria can start by adopting a sustainable school management system in Nigeria. Doing so will reduce carbon emissions while improving collaboration among all stakeholders.
Realistically, the edtechs in Africa cannot achieve sustainability overnight. The industry is already dealing with the challenges of being innovative in a rapidly changing environment fraught with infrastructural and governmental issues. However, sustainability is the future of education technology in Nigeria and the next big thing for edtech companies.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Plans have been concluded by Nigerian Breweries to support about 1,000 Nigerian students in Lagos, Ogun, and Enugu States.
The foremost brewing company is carrying out this empowerment initiative with a leading non-profit organisation, FATE Foundation, through the Orange Corners Student Ambassadors Programme of the Netherlands.
This partnership marks a significant step in advancing youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
This is because the scheme is to promote entrepreneurship and offer networking opportunities in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Ambassadors are selected from specific universities to inspire students to see entrepreneurship as a desirable career path and to foster a culture of innovation within universities.
It targets students aged 18–35 currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across Lagos, Ogun, and Enugu States.
“The partnership reinforces Nigerian Breweries’ long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development. Through initiatives like this, we are creating pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Nigeria,” the Corporate Affairs Director for Nigerian Breweries, Mr Uzodinma Odenigbo, stated.
He further highlighted the company’s track record in youth empowerment, noting that since the renewed focus on youth empowerment and entreprenuership, Nigerian Breweries has impacted 2,365 young Nigerians across 24 states and the FCT.
Also speaking on the partnership, the Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Ms Adenike Adeyemi, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between Nigerian Breweries and the Orange Corners Programme.
“Nigerian Breweries has been a longstanding partner with Orange Corners Nigeria in many ways. We are delighted to have the company continue to support the Orange Corners Programme and elated that this commitment will reach an additional 1000 young Nigerians leveraging the proven Orange Corners Student Ambassadors framework,” she said.
Ms Adeyemi outlined FATE Foundation’s role to include designing and delivering the training curriculum, managing student registration and participation, maintaining accurate records of all beneficiaries, and coordinating all logistical and technical aspects to ensure successful programme delivery.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has announced the reopening of the 47 unity schools earlier shut down due to security concerns on November 21.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday.
It said that the decision to reopen the affected colleges across the country reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education.
On November 18, 2025, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped by unidentified armed men from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state.
Just three days later, on November 21, about 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger state.
In response, the federal government shut down 47 Federal Unity Colleges, and some states including Katsina, Taraba, and Niger also closed schools or restricted school activities, particularly boarding institutions.
Rights group including Human Rights Watch lamented that while these measures were aimed at protecting students, they disrupted learning for thousands of children, denied them access to education, and the social and psychological support schools provide.
FULL LIST OF AFFECTED UNITY COLLEGES
North-West:
FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia.
North-East:
FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk.
North-Central:
FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji.
South-West:
FTC Ikare Akoko, FTC Ijebu-Imusin, FTC Ushi-Ekiti, FTC Ogugu.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Online learning platforms, Coursera and Udemy, have reached an agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction, with the combined company’s implied equity value estimated at approximately $2.5 billion.
The agreement, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, stipulates that Udemy shareholders will receive 0.8 shares of Coursera common stock for each Udemy share held.
Upon completion of the merger, Coursera shareholders are expected to own about 59 per cent and Udemy shareholders approximately 41 per cent of the new entity on a fully diluted basis.
The combined company will continue under the Coursera name, and maintain its headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Coursera, founded in 2012 by Mr Andrew Ng and Ms Daphne Koller, is an online learning platform with 191 million registered users as of September 30, 2025. It collaborates with over 375 universities and industry partners to offer courses, specialisations, professional certificates, and degrees.
The platform includes features such as generative AI (gen AI) tools (Coach, Role Play, Course Builder) and role-based solutions (Skills Tracks) to support scalable and personalised learning. Coursera is used by institutions for workforce development in fields such as gen AI, data science, technology, and business.
Udemy is a platform that provides on-demand, multi-language courses to help companies and individuals develop technical, business, and soft skills. It uses AI to offer personalised learning experiences and supports workforce development in a changing workplace.
Mr Greg Hart, currently CEO of Coursera, is set to lead the enlarged organisation as CEO after the merger.
The board will consist of nine members. Six from Coursera’s board, including chairman Mr Ng and CEO Mr Hart, and three from Udemy’s board.
“We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry.
“Organisations and individuals around the world need a platform that is as agile as the new and emerging skills learners must master,” Mr Hart said.
The combination is said to create a complete ecosystem of top instructors supported by AI tools, data-driven insights, and broader distribution, enabling more engaging, personalised, and dynamic learning at scale.
Projected operational efficiencies include anticipated annual run-rate cost synergies of $115m within two years after closing.
Udemy CEO, Mr Hugo Sarrazin said: “For more than 15 years, Udemy has helped millions of people master in-demand skills at the speed of innovation.
“Through this combination with Coursera, we will create meaningful benefits for our learners, enterprise customers, and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the substantial upside potential of the combined company.”
The merger is anticipated to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory clearances, approval by both companies’ shareholders, and other customary closing conditions.
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