A Nigerian social entrepreneur, Hammed Kayode Alabi, has emerged winner of the 2025 Being Edinburgh Alumni Award, a prestigious honour presented annually by the University of Edinburgh to outstanding alumni who exemplify the institution’s values through meaningful impact and action.
Alabi, who hails from Makoko, a floating slum community in Lagos, was presented with the award during the university’s Summer Graduation Ceremony held at McEwan Hall. The recognition celebrates his work in education access, youth empowerment, and technological innovation for underserved communities across Africa.
The award, presented by Professor Sarah Prescott, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, while the laureation address was delivered by Chris Cox, Vice-Principal of Advancement and Philanthropy.
In his speech, Alabi reflected on his journey from growing up in a disadvantaged Lagos slum to being celebrated on an international stage.
“Visiting Makoko last year, I realised the place felt smaller. But it wasn’t the place that shrank, it was my horizon that had expanded. I had seen the world far beyond the slum, and I could now see its challenges and potential more clearly,” he said.
Alma mater
A graduate of the MSc Africa and International Development programme, Alabi is also a staff member at the University, where he serves as Transitions Coordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
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He is the founder of the Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI), an organisation that has trained over 10,000 young people across 14 Nigerian states. He also leads Skill2Rural.Org, an EdTech platform supporting more than 128,000 learners across the continent, and Rafiki AI, Africa’s first generative AI-powered career advisor tailored for underserved youth in over 50 countries.
Alabi noted that the award was not just a personal achievement but a renewal of the silent vow he made after his graduation in 2021.
“I promised to use the privilege I had received for the good of others. That same year, I raised £1,500 in 72 hours for a young man who needed flight fees to begin his studies in India. I have supported several others since then,” he said.
He further highlighted that his mission has remained consistent despite challenges, including immigration-related hurdles in the UK.
“Even when my work and worth were questioned by the UK immigration system, I never stopped burning. I kept showing up. And to be recognised in this way is a testament to that persistence,” he added.
Appreciation
Describing the award as a “Nigerian win,” Alabi said it represents possibility for children from low-income backgrounds and those who have suffered loss.
“To those born in places like Makoko, let this be a sign that you can dream. To those who have lost one or both parents, there is still purpose in grief,” he said.
Alabi expressed gratitude to Naomi Ekpoki, who nominated him this year, and Rania Mouhideen, who first nominated him in 2022.
“I never asked anyone to nominate me. They saw me burning and believed in the work I do. I’m humbled to be seen and recognised this way,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh, his colleagues at KLCI, and those who voted for him.
“This award isn’t just for me. It’s for my community. It’s for every young African whose circumstances at birth tried to limit their dreams,” he noted.
Furthermore, Alabi reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Rafiki AI, building a NetZero innovation hub in a riverine Nigerian community, and continuing to write and speak for change.
“As I said in my speech today, this is day one. I am a story still unfolding,” he concluded.
The Being Edinburgh Alumni Award is voted for by University of Edinburgh students, staff, and alumni, and is given to graduates who bring the University’s values to life through leadership, service, and global impact.
