Abesan Senior High School has won the grand prize of ₦700,000 at the 2026 TINE Africa Changemakers Conference, where media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo and a panel of education and technology leaders urged young Africans to harness artificial intelligence and global education opportunities to drive continental development.

Hosted by Prince Louis O. Adekola under the theme "Global Education and the Future of Africa," the conference brought together education leaders, technology experts, entrepreneurs, students, and policy advocates for sessions covering artificial intelligence, leadership development, innovation, and the future of work in Africa.

Jideonwo, delivering the keynote address, challenged participants to move beyond limiting beliefs and position themselves for global relevance through education, creativity, and intentional personal growth, emphasising adaptability and human centred learning as essential tools for young Africans navigating a changing world.

A panel session themed "Artificial Intelligence, Technology and the Future of Africa," moderated by Daniel Emenahor, Head of AI Education at the British Council Nigeria, featured technology entrepreneur Oluwatobi Oseni, education advocate Jadesola Adedeji, and business executive Victor Emaye.

Oseni urged African innovators to develop homegrown technology solutions rather than adapt systems built for other markets. "We need to build more quality products that solve our own problems instead of continuously adapting solutions designed for other markets," he stated, adding a caution about uncritical reliance on AI outputs: "Garbage in, garbage out. If the understanding is shallow, the output will also be shallow."

Adedeji stressed that Africa's education system must evolve beyond rote learning. "We have moved from a knowledge based economy to a skills based economy," she noted, adding that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in a fast-changing digital economy.

A separate panel on global scholarship opportunities featured Deby Okoh, Nnena Ogunade, and Ejiro Sharon Okotie, moderated by Seun Olagunju Lana. Ogunade of the British Council highlighted the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and GREAT Scholarship as accessible pathways for African students.

Selar CEO Douglas Kendyson, speaking at a fireside chat, drew on his journey from Paystack and Flutterwave to building a leading digital commerce platform, urging young Africans to embrace patience, networking, and continuous self development.

In the AI and Technology Competition finale, 16 Plus School received ₦350,000 as runner up, while Refiners School, International School, University of Lagos, and Start Rite School Abuja each received ₦250,000.