Orondaam Otto’s journey from a promising medical sciences graduate to a globally celebrated social entrepreneur encores to the power of vision and action. As a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Lagos, Otto’s life took a transformative turn when he stumbled upon a BBC documentary on Makoko, a sprawling slum on the Lagos Lagoon. That moment sparked a resolve to change the narrative for underserved communities, leading to the birth of Slum2School Africa in 2012.
Over the past decade, Slum2School Africa has redefined grassroots education across the continent. With a mission to provide quality education to children in slums and underserved regions, the organization has directly impacted over 627,450 children through scholarships, early learning centers, innovation hubs, and public school adoptions. The organization has attracted thousands of volunteers globally and built partnerships with leading organizations, including UNICEF, Microsoft, and ESPN, solidifying its position as a leader in the social development space.
In 2020, amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Otto spearheaded the creation of Africa’s first virtual learning studio, ensuring continuous education for over 1,000 children via remote learning. This groundbreaking initiative further exemplifies his commitment to innovation in addressing educational challenges.
Otto’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of the United Nations-supported Global 100 Most Influential People of African Descent. He is a thought leader and changemaker, serving on various boards and as a member of organizations such as the United Nations Global Compact and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s Human Capital Development Commission.
His academic and leadership credentials are equally impressive. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School with a Master’s in Public Administration, Otto holds multiple fellowships and certifications from institutions such as the United Nations University for Peace, Henley Business School, and MIT. His work has been recognized on platforms like CNN African Voices, Forbes, and The Guardian, where he is celebrated as an African changemaker.
