There is big news from uLesson, one of Africa’s most famous education technology (EdTech) companies. The founder of the company, Sim Shagaya, is stepping down from his role as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Taking his place is Iheanyi Akwitti, who has been chosen as the new CEO-Designate. He will officially take full control as the Group CEO on January 1, 2027.
Understanding the Big Shift
This leadership change is part of a planned, smooth handover to help uLesson grow even bigger.
• The Transition Period: Iheanyi Akwitti will start his new journey as CEO-Designate on June 1, 2026. For the rest of the year, he will work side-by-side with Sim Shagaya to learn the ropes of managing investors, business partners, and daily operations.
• Sim Shagaya’s New Role: Sim Shagaya is not leaving the company he built. Instead, he is becoming the Executive Chairman. In this position, he will focus on the company’s long-term strategy, major partnerships, and his big vision for education across Africa. This change also allows him to focus on his new insurance startup, Myka.
Who is the New CEO, Iheanyi Akwitti?
Iheanyi Akwitti is not a newcomer to uLesson. He is a highly experienced educator who joined the company in 2022. Before that, he worked as the Principal of the Supreme Education Foundation Schools.
During his time at uLesson, Akwitti has done some very important work:
• He helped the company grow from just a learning app for school children into a massive education group.
• He led the hard work to get an official government license for Miva Open University, which is Nigeria’s very first private online university.
“Iheanyi has been at the centre of some of the most important work we have done. His clarity, discipline, and deep understanding of education make him the right leader for this next chapter.”
— Sim Shagaya, Founder of uLesson
What Does This Mean for uLesson?
When uLesson started in 2019, it was just an app to help young students study for exams and learn school subjects. Today, it has grown significantly.
With Iheanyi Akwitti taking over the driver’s seat, uLesson plans to push harder into university education and adult learning. The goal remains the same: making sure African students have access to top-quality, modern education that fits their lives and prepares them for a bright future.
