Nigerian-born leadership coach and human behaviour expert, Mfon Ekpo, has become the first recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Alumni Award from the University of Southampton. The award, newly introduced to commemorate transformative influence by its graduates, breaks a 163-year precedent at one of the United Kingdom’s most respected academic institutions.
Mfon Ekpo’s honour is not merely ceremonial. It stands as an acknowledgment of her tangible impact across global leadership ecosystems and her ongoing work in psychological empowerment, ethical leadership training, and behavioural transformation. Through her organisation, The Discovery Centre, Ekpo has pioneered educational programmes and coaching models that have reached thousands across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Her clients range from top-tier executives to grassroots changemakers, all drawn by her ability to blend cultural intelligence with human potential science.
What sets Ekpo apart is her cross-sectoral influence. She is as comfortable mentoring entrepreneurs in Nairobi as she is speaking at the United Nations or advising multinational boards on leadership sustainability. Her professional footprint includes work with renowned thought leaders, institutions, and social impact networks, all of which reinforce her stature as a builder of people, systems, and ideas.
The University of Southampton, in bestowing this historic award, described Ekpo as “a trailblazer whose contribution to human development continues to reflect the values of excellence, leadership, and societal impact.” Her time at the university shaped her global worldview, but it is her post-academic journey that has expanded the Southampton brand into boardrooms and classrooms across continents.
Accepting the award, Mfon Ekpo remarked, “This is more than a personal honour. It is a signpost to anyone who dares to dream beyond borders. I am deeply grateful to the University for choosing to begin this tradition with someone from a background and continent often overlooked.”
Ekpo’s distinction goes far beyond titles. It reflects the rising confidence in African-led intellectual capital and in women whose voices are shifting paradigms at the intersection of leadership, education, and culture.
With this recognition, the University of Southampton has not only honoured an extraordinary alumna but has also set a new standard for celebrating global relevance. The decision signals a broader shift in how impact is measured—one that recognises courage, clarity, and contribution in equal measure.
