World Economic Forum Honors Nigerian Education Social Entrepreneur, Orondaam Otto

When Orondaam Otto started Slum2School Africa over a decade ago, all he had was a backpack, his NYSC uniform, a dream, and a deep desire to change the lives of children living in underserved communities. Today, that dream has taken him to one of the highest global platforms of leadership.

This week, the World Economic Forum announced Otto as one of its 2025 Young Global Leaders (YGL) — a prestigious recognition given annually to about 100 exceptional individuals under the age of 40 from across the world. Otto now joins a community that includes presidents, heads of states, Nobel laureates, and innovators shaping the future of the world.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Otto left a career in medicine to pursue what many saw as an impossible mission: to bring education to children in slums, remote villages, and forgotten communities. Today, Slum2School Africa has impacted over 685,000 children, built learning spaces across the country, and mobilized a global network of volunteers and supporters across more than 60 countries.

Speaking about his nomination Otto commented “I’ve been burned by the problems I’ve seen in communities around me, but also fueled by the belief that we can build a better world — especially for Africa. That every child, no matter where they’re born, deserves the chance to dream big and thrive.”

“This recognition isn’t just for me. It’s for the children we serve. For the teachers who never give up. For every supporter who believes that change is possible. I’m excited to use this new platform to spotlight the greatness Nigeria and Africa hold — especially if we invest in our young people and unlock our full potential.”
The Forum of Young Global Leaders, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, is a three-year leadership program that brings together outstanding changemakers to learn, collaborate, and scale their work for global good.

Otto’s recognition is not just a personal win — it is a powerful reminder to young people across Nigeria, Africa and the worlds, that ideas born in Africa can shape the world, and that leaders with heart and vision are rising to drive the continent’s transformation.

As Slum2School expands its impact and scale across Nigeria and beyond, this milestone is a call for greater investment, partnerships, and global collaboration to ensure that no child is left behind.