Theme: AI, Culture, and Change: Shaping tomorrow's narratives

TEDxYola 2025 is an independently organized TED event set for June 21st, 2025, in Yola, Nigeria. Centered on the theme “AI, Culture and Change: Shaping Tomorrow’s Narratives,” this year’s gathering will explore how cutting-edge technology, rich cultural heritage, and transformative ideas are converging to shape the future.

Through thought-provoking talks and powerful performances, TEDxYola 2025 will spotlight voices that challenge norms, inspire innovation, and foster community-driven change. From the impact of artificial intelligence on society to the preservation and evolution of culture, the event aims to ignite dialogue and action around building a better tomorrow.

Fasnet Cinema
Yola Rd, opposite Federal Secretariat, Karewa, Jimeta
Yola, Adamawa, 640261
Nigeria

Alvin O. Forteta

Information Technology and AI Expert

Alvin O. Forteta—widely known as The Oracle—is a technology leader and researcher shaping the future of AI, digital governance, and education in Africa. He leads Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the American University of Nigeria and is a Ph.D. candidate exploring digital governance in higher education. Alvin has driven major ICT transformations across universities, built testing centers for underserved communities, and co-authored research on ICT innovation in developing economies. With certifications in AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, Alvin bridges academic insight with real-world impact.

Amy Gaman

SDG Expert

Amy Gaman is an impact-driven leader with over a decade of experience in humanitarian and development work. She is the Managing Director of Nuru Nigeria, where she leads efforts in gender equity, nutrition, climate resilience, and agri-business. She played a key role in reintegrating the Chibok Girls, co-designed Nigeria’s COVID-19 economic response with the National Peace Committee, and co-authored the nation’s first policy framework on addressing gender-based violence through faith-based institutions. Amy has served in leadership roles with USAID, UNHCR, FHI360, and the American University of Nigeria. A ONE Champion, Acumen Fellow, and Perennial Fellow, she continues to champion policy advocacy and social change. With degrees in Business and Peace Studies, and executive training from Harvard Business School, Amy’s work has earned recognition from the British Council and Amazon for resilient leadership.

Angela Nkemdilim Udeani

Professor of Arts

Prof. Udeani is an accomplished academic, artist, and administrator with a rich career spanning over two decades. Hailing from Enugu State, she earned her BA, MFA, and Ph.D. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, all in Fine and Applied Arts. After her NYSC in Bauchi, she began her teaching journey in 1997 at what is now Modibbo Adama University, Yola, where she rose to the rank of Professor in 2021. She has held various leadership roles, including Head of Department, Chair of multiple university committees, and currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.

Atiku Abubakar

Businessman and Public Figure

Businessman and Public Figure

Dan Jumaa Ojei

SDG Expert

Dan Jumaa Ojei is a development knowledge facilitator who is passionate about the transformation of Africans and Africa. He loves to serve and to design curriculum. Mailambu, as he is fondly called, is organic in his approach, and serves as a consultant on many peace building, humanitarian and development projects e.g., NYSC-SDGs Project, ICON AFRIQUE, MCC partners, JDPC etc. Dan is a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award; the Nigeria National Youth Award. He is a Fellow of the Africa Institute of Governing with Integrity, and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC). Presently, he serves as the Northeast liaison of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and for about a decade, he has been strengthening organizations, mentoring (young) development practitioners, and fostering cross-cultural harmony in the region.

Daniel Ishaku

Author and IT Professional

Daniel Ishaku is a tech innovator, educator, and digital solutions architect passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He serves as the University Webmaster at the American University of Nigeria, leading digital transformation initiatives across campus services. Daniel is the founder of Toko Academy, an edtech platform that has trained hundreds in coding, content creation, and digital skills. He also created TokoPay, a chatbot making airtime and bill payments seamless via WhatsApp and Telegram. From building AI tools to consulting for startups and institutions, Daniel focuses on human-centered innovation that scales. As Lead Organizer of TEDxYola 2025, he’s shaping conversations that inspire progress.

Vivian Ibrahim

Convener, Chess in IDP Camps Initiative

Vivian Ibrahim is a visionary leader using chess as a tool for transformation. She is the founder of QueenVee Chess Academy and convener of the Chess in IDP Camps Initiative, bringing strategy and hope to young minds in underserved communities. A National Chess Arbiter and holder of a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Vivian blends intellect, advocacy, and technology to empower the next generation. A former Miss Adamawa 2017/2018, she continues to inspire with every step—on the board and beyond.