Nigeria’s education technology sector has received a significant boost following the conclusion of the 2025 EdTech Fellowship, a program spearheaded by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. A recent event in Lagos showcased the program’s impact and the innovative solutions developed by participating startups.
The Demo Day event, held in Lagos, served as a platform for innovators, policymakers, investors, and key industry players to witness firsthand the potential of homegrown solutions aimed at improving educational outcomes for underserved students throughout Nigeria.
Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at CcHUB, hailed the Demo Day as a celebration of innovation and a testament to the dedication and creativity of the participating startup teams. She emphasized their tireless efforts in refining their solutions to address real-world learning challenges on a large scale.
A Catalyst for Digital Learning in Africa
Madu highlighted the significant impact of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, now in its third edition. To date, the program has provided crucial support to 36 African startups, playing a vital role in expanding access to digital learning tools within Nigeria and fostering collaboration and innovation across the African continent.
The progress achieved through the fellowship program underscores Africa’s growing capacity to develop inclusive and impactful solutions that systematically tackle challenges within the education sector.
Showcasing the 2025 EdTech Fellows
The 2025 Fellowship specifically supported 12 EdTech startups, each contributing unique solutions to the educational landscape. These startups include:
- AI Teacha
- BlueSands Academy
- Cloudnotte
- Tespire
- Kryptr
- Smart Stewards
- hiPrep
- Varsityscape
- Mavis Computel
- (and others)
Collectively, these startups have made a substantial impact, reaching over 21,000 learners. Notably, 90% of these learners are children and youth, with a significant 55% female participation rate. Furthermore, the startups have engaged with 7,000 educators and provided support to more than 500 schools, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to quality education is often limited.
Mavis Computel: Bridging the Language Barrier
Among the notable innovations showcased was the Mavis Talking Book, developed by Mavis Computel. This solution is specifically designed to assist children in marginalized communities, including those in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, by facilitating learning in their local languages. The Mavis Talking Book utilizes printed storybooks in conjunction with digital audio pens, making learning more accessible and engaging for children who may face language barriers or limited access to educational resources.
Testimonials from the Frontlines of Innovation
Chiemezie Ucheaga, the founder of Mavis Computel, reflected on the transformative impact of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship on his company. He stated that the fellowship solidified his belief in the existence of organizations genuinely committed to enhancing the provision of quality basic education to children in marginalized communities. Ucheaga also expressed gratitude for the guidance received from the CcHUB team, which helped them refine their product design and develop impactful storytelling techniques, ultimately providing the structure needed for growth.
Mary Matthew, the founder of Cloudnotte, echoed Ucheaga’s sentiments, describing the fellowship as a launchpad for broader continental impact. She emphasized that participation in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2025 provided clarity, momentum, and strengthened Cloudnotte’s capacity. Furthermore, the fellowship provided the essential support system required to scale Cloudnotte’s impact across the African continent.
