A new report stresses the urgent need for increased education investment in Nigeria and globally, especially in times of economic hardship. The HP Futures initiative, which brought together over 100 global education and policy experts, highlighted the importance of closing the learning gap. Research from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth found that every $1 invested in education generates a $1.66 return in economic activity, with even greater benefits during recessions.
The HP Futures initiative, led by HP in partnership with the Global Learning Council and T4 Education, included input from education ministers, former heads of state, educators, and NGO leaders worldwide, including Nigeria. It presented practical recommendations to address the global learning crisis and work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4—universal quality education by 2030.
In Nigeria, UNICEF reports that 70% of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple sentence. As AI and automation reshape economies, education systems must be reformed to prepare students for the future rather than relying on outdated models.
The HP Futures report calls for a complete redesign of education systems, recommending the adoption of hybrid learning formats, a stronger focus on social and emotional skills, curriculum reforms to tackle the climate crisis, and modernized assessment methods to promote equal outcomes.
It also urges early interventions for disadvantaged communities, universal access to Pre-K, and ensuring girls’ transition to secondary education. National data collection systems for education are also deemed critical for cost-effective investment.
Additionally, the report highlights the need for subsidies for EdTech tools to improve literacy and numeracy, as well as teacher training programs to boost digital fluency in an AI-driven education landscape.
HP is launching several new initiatives in response, including HP Read.ai, aimed at enhancing literacy through AI-powered solutions, and the HP EdTech Incubator, which will support the growth of education technologies through mentorship and training.
David McQuarrie, HP’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chair of HP Futures, emphasized the importance of digital skills for the next generation in a rapidly changing world. Vikas Pota, CEO of T4 Education, underscored the need for nations to invest in education, calling it an investment in the future.
The full HP Futures report, developed over six months through five expert councils, is available at hpfutures.com.
