A career that has taken him from visual art and science to classroom teaching, digital learning and artificial intelligence has earned Nigerian learning technologist and independent learning consultant Mustapha Salaudeen a place among 30 young professionals recognised globally for advancing the future of learning.
Salaudeen is the only Nigerian and African selected for The Learning Guild’s 2026 Thirty Under 30 programme, which highlights emerging professionals making significant contributions to learning and development.
His recognition comes as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape how organisations train employees, how educators deliver knowledge and how people acquire new skills.
Salaudeen's professional journey began in visual art and design before he trained as a scientist and later worked as a classroom teacher. He eventually moved into learning experience design, developing multimedia-based learning solutions that combine technology, behavioural science and design.
His experience includes working with multinational organisation Sky on workplace learning initiatives, as well as contributing to projects involving Google-powered learning campaigns.
Through Upskill Universe, he worked on the redesign of a Google-powered training campaign for policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The wider programme has trained more than 18,000 small and medium-sized enterprises since its inception.
He has also pursued independent initiatives, including Listening Trivia, a personal project designed to improve learning engagement and assessment.
Artificial intelligence has become another important part of his work. At AI for Global Education, a UK-based non-profit organisation, Salaudeen leads the development of an AI literacy curriculum for higher education. The course series currently reaches 58 institutions across 14 countries.
His broad experience across design, science, education and technology has shaped an approach that connects the technical possibilities of AI and digital platforms with the way people learn and develop skills.
The Learning Guild created the Thirty Under 30 programme to recognise young professionals contributing to the learning and development industry. Salaudeen's selection places his work alongside that of emerging specialists from around the world at a time when the sector is undergoing rapid technological change.
For him, the honour carries a significance that goes beyond professional recognition.
“It is a validation I’d long waited for; validation that I can do it too, that certain positions are not barricaded against me, and that I can inspire the next person to keep at what they believe in,” he said.
He hopes the achievement will also encourage young Nigerians and Africans pursuing emerging careers to build their skills and consider opportunities outside conventional professional paths.
“To be recognised as one of only 30 people under the age of 30 making giant strides in learning design and technology is not just an achievement for me,” he said.
As organisations and educational institutions continue adapting to artificial intelligence, the ability to combine technology with effective learning strategies is becoming increasingly valuable. Salaudeen's work reflects that emerging demand, particularly through his efforts to advance AI literacy in higher education and technology-driven learning in the workplace.
The 2026 Thirty Under 30 programme will culminate at DevLearn in November in Las Vegas, where Salaudeen will join the other honourees to celebrate emerging professionals in learning and development.
His selection as the only Nigerian and African in the cohort offers a fresh international spotlight on Nigerian expertise in fields that are helping define the future of education, workforce development and technology.
From design and science to teaching, learning technology and AI, Salaudeen's journey demonstrates how diverse skills can converge into a career with global relevance.
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