Very Rev. Prof. Nkum Wilson Advocates for Creativity and Collaboration in Education at Global Forum
The Principal of Komenda College of Education, Very Rev. Prof. Nkum Wilson, has made a passionate appeal for African education systems particularly in Ghana to embrace creativity and collaboration as core pillars for future learning. He made this call at the 2025 International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Education Forum held from July 6th to 13th in Busan, Korea, under the theme:
“Education for the Future: Creativity and Collaboration Are the Keys.”
Delivering his keynote address to an international audience, Prof. Wilson stated that the traditional focus on Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic the “3Rs” must be expanded to include Creativity and Collaboration as essential competencies for the 21st-century learner.
“This is the right time, right place, and right space to reflect on the kind of education we offer our youth especially in Africa,” he said. “Education must prepare learners to solve real-life problems, work in teams, and apply knowledge innovatively.”
Prof. Wilson referenced Ghana’s educational reforms, especially the implementation of the Standard-Based Curriculum which now emphasizes the "4Rs": Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic and cReativity.
He stressed that creativity is not limited to the arts but involves the ability to generate new ideas, solve problems, and adapt to changing environments. In his words, creative learners are "flexible, adaptable, imaginative, and unafraid of failure."
Speaking on collaboration, the Principal highlighted its importance in achieving shared learning outcomes. He urged education systems to incorporate collaborative learning strategies, allowing students to work in teams, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions.
“A creative learner cannot do it alone. When creative minds come together, the synergy can solve many of our societal challenges,” he noted.
In concluding, Prof. Wilson called on education stakeholders to:
He emphasized that solving global issues such as climate change, food insecurity, moral decay, corruption, and youth unemployment require an educational transformation grounded in imagination, values, and teamwork.
The IYF Education Forum brought together global education leaders, students, and policymakers under the broader theme, “The Value of Education in the AI Era: Character and Leadership.” Rev. Prof. Wilson’s contribution was widely praised for offering a powerful African perspective on the future of education.