Nigerian learning technologist and independent learning consultant, Mustapha Salaudeen, has been named among 30 young professionals globally selected for The Learning Guild’s 2026 Thirty Under 30 programme, recognising emerging talent shaping the future of workplace learning and technology-driven education.
Salaudeen is the only Nigerian and African included in this year’s cohort, according to a statement sent to The PUNCH. He was recognised for his work in learning innovation, workplace learning and the development of technology-driven learning experiences.
The recognition places the Nigerian professional among a group of young learning and development specialists contributing to how organisations train employees and deliver education as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape the workplace.
“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,” Salaudeen stated.
The Learning Guild, a global community of learning and development professionals, established the Thirty Under 30 programme to recognise young professionals making significant contributions to the learning and development industry.
Salaudeen’s career has spanned visual design, science, classroom teaching and learning experience design. He began as a visual artist and designer before training as a scientist and later working as a classroom teacher.
He subsequently moved into learning experience design, developing multimedia-based learning solutions that combine technology, behavioural science and design.
His professional experience includes work with multinational organisations such as Sky, where he contributed to workplace learning initiatives, as well as projects involving Google-powered learning campaigns.
He also worked with Upskill Universe 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.
Beyond his professional work, Salaudeen founded Listening Trivia, a personal project focused on learning engagement and assessment.
He is also involved with AI for Global Education, a UK-based non-profit organisation, where he leads the development of an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for higher education.
The course series currently reaches 58 institutions across 14 countries, according to the statement.
Salaudeen said his multidisciplinary background had influenced his approach to learning technology, particularly as organisations and educational institutions increasingly adopt artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
“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 noted.
He remarked the recognition also represented an opportunity to encourage young Nigerians and Africans pursuing careers in emerging fields to develop their skills and pursue opportunities beyond traditional career paths.
The growing adoption of artificial intelligence, digital learning platforms and new approaches to employee development is creating demand for professionals who can combine technology with effective learning strategies.
Salaudeen’s work reflects that intersection, bringing together design, education, technology and AI literacy in learning programmes for workplaces and higher education.
The 2026 Thirty Under 30 programme is expected to culminate at DevLearn in November in Las Vegas, where Salaudeen will join the other honourees to celebrate emerging professionals in learning and development.
Reflecting on the barriers young professionals can place before themselves, Salaudeen said, “Barriers are walls made up in one’s own mindset. They don’t exist, not really.”
By: Justice Okamgba
