Hammed Kayode Alabi has been named as the winner of the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award 2025 – the University’s annual honour celebrating a member of the University’s alumni community who brings the institution’s values to life through their actions and impact on the world.

The award, nominated and voted for by students, staff, and alumni, recognises individuals who embody the spirit of the University in meaningful and inspiring ways. Hammed was presented with the award by Vice-Principal Professor Sarah Prescott, Head of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, during a graduation ceremony in McEwan Hall on 10 July, with a laureation address from Chris Cox, Vice-Principal of Advancement and Philanthropy.

A graduate of the MSc Africa and International Development programme and now a staff member at the University, Hammed is an EdTech leader, social entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and author. He has dedicated his life to youth empowerment, education access, and sustainable development – particularly for underserved and displaced communities in Africa.

Originally from Makoko, one of Africa’s largest floating slums in Lagos, Nigeria, Hammed’s early life was marked by personal loss and financial hardship. By the age of 15, he was already teaching in a rural school. In 2017, he founded the Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI), which has since trained over 10,000 young people across 14 Nigerian states in leadership, skills, and career readiness.

His other ventures include Skill2Rural.Org, an EdTech platform connecting rural educators with tools and training that now supports over 128,000 learners across Africa, and Rafiki AI, Africa’s first generative AI-powered career advisor for underserved youth, currently serving users in more than 50 countries.

Reflecting on winning the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award, Hammed said:

“I feel a great deal of gratitude. These last few months have been filled with rejections in trying to raise money for my work. But moments like this – when your peers and community recognise your efforts – remind you that purpose is always greater than rejection.”

Now working as a Transitions Coordinator with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University, Hammed supports African Scholars in their transition to graduate careers. He is also an alumnus of the programme himself, and a vocal advocate for education equity, speaking at global forums including UNESCO’s Transforming Education Summit in Paris.

“This award recognises a silent vow I made when I graduated: to keep creating for underserved young people. I’ve not paid myself in eight years of doing this work. I’ve donated nearly 15% of the $100,000 we’ve raised. So when people vote for you, unprompted, and say ‘we see you,’ it’s powerful. This isn’t just for me. It’s for my community. It’s for young people whose circumstances are defined at birth – to show them they can still dream.”

Hammed also offered thanks to those who nominated him and to the wider University community who supported his nomination.

“I saw students, alumni, colleagues from across the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community reach out and rally behind me. It’s humbling. It shows what can happen when we build something that others believe in too.”

Looking ahead, Hammed is continuing to expand Rafiki AI, build a NetZero innovation hub in a remote riverine community in Nigeria, and share his insights through writing and speaking. He has authored three books, nearly 200 essays, and is currently experimenting with posting daily on LinkedIn – a streak he’s maintained every day of the year so far.

“Africa isn’t just creating for Africa anymore,” he says. “Africa is creating for the world.”

Hammed Kayode Alabi and Chris Cox (Vice Principal of Advancement and Philanthropy)

Chris Cox, Vice-Principal of Advancement and Philanthropy, said:

At Edinburgh, we speak often of global impact, of service to others, of using knowledge for the common good. Hammed embodies these values – compassionate, committed, globally minded, and always learning. His journey is one of resilience, generosity and purpose. It is also a powerful reminder that change begins with courageous individuals who dare to act.

Professor John Devaney, Head of the School of Social and Political Science, said:

This award celebrates the very essence of what it means to be a part of our university community, and Hammed’s achievements have truly captured that spirit.  He has not only excelled in his academic pursuits but has also embraced the wider mission of the university to make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Through dedication to social progress, Hammed’s ability to foster a sense of community and his passion for continuous learning, have inspired and supported many thousands of young people in their education and careers in Africa.We are incredibly proud here in the School of Social and Political Science to have had Hammed a member of our student body, and now as one of our alumni, and no doubt he will continue to inspire and lead well into the future. We’re excited to see the incredible things that he will accomplish in the future.

Photography: Being Edinburgh Award images: Douglas Robertson. All other images courtesy of Hammed Kayode Alabi.

Being Edinburgh Alumni Award

Since 2020, the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award has recognised a member of our global alumni community who brings the University’s values to life through their actions and impact.

Find out more about the award, including information on previous winners and finalists, on the website:

Being Edinburgh Alumni Award