Education stakeholders in Nigeria are urging schools to shift their focus towards producing adaptive learners who can think critically and respond to the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. This call to action was made during a panel discussion held on Thursday at the 2026 Total School Support Seminar/Exhibition in Oregun, Lagos, themed "The Future of Learning: Technology, Sustainability, Creativity and Culture for a Changing World."

The event gathered educators from across the country and included training sessions aimed at enhancing teaching methodologies. Adetola Salau, Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on STEM, emphasized the need for a transformation in the education system. She argued that it is essential to move away from an overreliance on memorization and instead focus on what learners can achieve with their knowledge. Salau stated, "The biggest thing that I see that we really need to make a shift with is going from ‘what do you know’... but we need to move to ‘what can you do with what you know?’"

Salau highlighted the importance of equipping students with skills that enable them to think, create, collaborate, and communicate effectively. She stressed that students should not merely memorize information for assessments but should be encouraged to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems in various sectors, including education, transportation, and climate change.

Susan Babatunde, an educationist and Chief Business Officer of Blooming Greens School, echoed Salau's sentiments, advocating for a curriculum that prepares children to be global citizens while remaining connected to their cultural roots. Babatunde suggested that Nigerian schools should incorporate elements of folklore, history, and music into their teaching to help students understand their heritage. She noted that her school has partnered with the Confucius Institute to teach Mandarin, illustrating a commitment to blending local and global competencies.

Wunmi Ogunde, the Convener of the Total School Support Seminar/Exhibition, also spoke about the necessity of developing adaptive minds among learners. She argued that this adaptability should extend beyond academic disciplines, preparing students to navigate various ecosystems and tackle real-life challenges. Ogunde remarked, "I think we should train people to have adaptive minds, and not conformists," emphasizing the need for schools to expose students to practical problems related to sanitation, water, and sustainability.

Ogunde further highlighted the importance of instilling confidence in students and fostering a strong connection to Nigeria, regardless of where they may study or live in the future. She called for a concerted effort to make Nigerian languages and cultural knowledge relevant in a globalized context, ensuring that learners can engage internationally while maintaining a connection to their heritage.

The 17th edition of the Total School Support Seminar was particularly significant as it was the first held without its founder, the late Mrs. Olayinka Adedokun, who was a passionate advocate for education and professional development. Ogunde reflected on Adedokun's belief that those shaping the future of education should also have opportunities for learning and growth.

In addition to the discussions, Ogunde announced the launch of Edtechboard 360, an education intelligence platform designed to provide verifiable education data and insights to support decision-making among parents, learners, schools, and educators. This initiative aims to enhance the educational landscape in Nigeria by leveraging technology for better outcomes.