In a bold stride toward redefining global learning, Education in Motion (EiM) has announced the formation of a new Education Advisory Board, bringing together luminaries from higher education and innovation circles worldwide. Among the distinguished appointees is an expert on artificial intelligence in education, amplifying EiM’s commitment to blending pedagogical excellence with cutting-edge technology.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment for EiM — underlining its ambition to lead education transformation, not merely manage it. The new board is co-chaired by Lesley Meyer, EiM’s Chief Education Officer, and Richard Levin, former President of Yale University and ex-CEO of the massive MOOC provider Coursera. The roster also includes Rose Luckin, renowned for her contributions to AI and education at University College London, alongside other heavyweights such as David Leebron, Andrew Hamilton, and Doris Sohmen-Pao.
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Vision, Mission, and Strategic Purpose
At its heart, the Advisory Board aims to serve as a sounding board and idea incubator — pushing EiM’s strategies into bold new territories. Meyer emphasises that the board is not symbolic but operationally strategic:
“By bringing together extraordinary thinkers and leaders, we aim to explore fresh ideas that will inspire the next generation of learning worldwide.”
That mission is no small ambition. EiM sees education today as the most powerful lever to shape a better future — one that is flexible, equitable, and deeply responsive to global change. Meyer underscores that in an age of rapid disruption, agencies like EiM must incubate new models of learning, rather than merely react to them.
Co-chair Richard Levin adds nuance to the vision. He recognises the balancing act facing modern education:
“Schools today face the dual task of nurturing timeless intellectual skills while adapting to new modes of learning. The Education Advisory Board will engage deeply with how best to harness technology, cultivate critical thinking, and foster creativity.”
He continues, “I am delighted to co-chair this Board and to work with EiM … shaping conversations that will help schools and learners thrive in the decades ahead.”
Through this lens, EiM is positioning itself not just as a service provider in education, but as a thought leader — crafting the theories and frameworks that will define schooling, nonformal learning, and lifelong growth in the 21st century.
Who’s On the Board — and Why It Matters
The Advisory Board’s membership reflects a purposeful blend of academic pedigree, innovation credentials, and domain expertise. Below is a snapshot of the key figures:
- Lesley Meyer (Co-Chair, EiM Chief Education Officer) — Her internal leadership ensures a coherent bridge between strategy formulation and institutional mission.
- Richard Levin (Co-Chair) — With leadership experience at Yale and Coursera, he brings depth in both elite academia and global online platforms.
- Rose Luckin — Her work on AI and education at UCL positions her as a critical voice in how technology can support, not supplant, meaningful learning.
- David Leebron — Former President of Rice University, brings insights from leading research institutions and policy intersections.
- Andrew Hamilton — Ex-Vice Chancellor at Oxford and former President of New York City University; bridges British and American higher education ecosystems.
- Doris Sohmen-Pao — Past Princeton University trustee and former INSEAD MBA programme director; adds expertise at the intersection of business and academic leadership.
The presence of Rose Luckin is especially significant. As an authority on how AI can enhance and personalise learning, she represents the forward frontier of education scholarship. Her inclusion signals EiM’s resolve to embed AI awareness and practical innovation into its roadmap, rather than treating technology as a mere add-on.
The advisory board’s composition spans geographic regions, institutional types, and disciplines, which bodes well for an inclusive, well-rounded strategy. It allows EiM to tap into diverse perspectives when navigating global challenges — from equity and access to the ethics of AI and data governance in schools.
Implications for Education Across Africa and Beyond
For Nigeria and the broader African continent, the launch of this board resonates on multiple levels. It signals that an organisation with reach and influence is intentionally positioning itself to guide educational futures — not just locally, but globally. As African governments, NGOs, and private educators seek paths toward modernisation, allies like EiM may help bridge theory and practice.
Three key implications stand out:
- Accelerated Innovation Uptake
With advisory voices steeped in AI and futuristic education, EiM is better placed to pilot and deploy solutions that respond to tomorrow’s disruptions. In Nigeria, for instance, issues like adaptive assessment, AI-aided tutoring, or intelligent curriculum design may move faster into real classrooms. - Stronger Global-Local Linkages
The board’s international composition connects EiM — and by extension, its local partners — with global networks of research, funding, and policy influence. That can fast-track the development and scaling of effective models in Nigeria and other African markets. - Governance, Ethics, and Quality Assurance
Advisory oversight helps guard against the pitfalls often encountered in edtech: tech hype without learning gains, inequitable implementation, or runaway data risks. Having voices like Rose Luckin and others means critical scrutiny is baked into the design process.
Moreover, EiM’s move may nudge other education actors in Nigeria to rethink their governance models. As governments, foundations, and private providers strive to stay relevant, we could see more of such boards or think tanks designed to inoculate strategy against shortsightedness.
Conclusion
Education in Motion’s establishment of a new Education Advisory Board — anchored by top minds in academia and AI — is more than a headline. It is a strategic signpost: an organisation willing to stake resources, human capital, and moral authority on what the future of learning should look like.
If EiM follows through with the high expectations set by its appointments, it could play a pivotal role in shaping how education evolves — not only in Nigeria, but across the global south.
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