Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) has announced the selection of Orondaam Otto, visionary social entrepreneur and founder of Slum2School Africa, as one of 24 exceptional leaders from four continents for its prestigious 2025 Global Program. This transformative fellowship will see Otto from Nigeria, engage with top U.S. experts and thought leaders as he advances his mission to bridge the education gap for underserved children across Africa.
The 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellows represent a diverse cohort of changemakers tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate resilience to healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence. Otto’s selection highlights his pioneering work in education, human capital development, and social impact across the continent.
Since founding Slum2School in 2012, Otto has led the organization to impact over 685,450 children across Nigeria and mobilized more than 45,000 volunteers globally. Under his leadership, Slum2School has spearheaded innovative projects, including Africa’s first virtual learning classroom, cutting-edge STEM learning hubs, and the groundbreaking Slum2School Academy for early childhood education. His bold vision for the future includes scaling these efforts to establish 1,000 Early Childhood Development Centers in marginalized communities across Africa.
“This exceptional group of leaders embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and resilience needed to address critical challenges around the world. Their time in the United States will grow their networks and strengthen their ability to drive impactful change,” said EF Chairman, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.
As an Eisenhower Fellow, Otto will embark on an intensive six-week program across the United States, engaging with top policymakers, education leaders, and social impact organizations to explore scalable models for education reform. His goal is to drive systemic change and shape policies that ensure millions of African children gain access to quality early childhood education.
“I am deeply honored to be named a 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellow” said Otto via his Instagram. “This opportunity will contribute to our mission towards accelerating access to education for children in Africa’s most underserved communities, ensuring every child has the foundation to thrive.”
Founded in 1953 and named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, EF connects dynamic leaders worldwide to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and promote international understanding. With a network of nearly 1,900 Fellows across multiple disciplines, EF empowers leaders to tackle global challenges with bold, innovative solutions.
About Orondaam Otto:
Orondaam Otto is a renowned social entrepreneur, international development consultant, and education advocate committed to transforming learning opportunities for underserved children in Africa. As the founder of Slum2School Africa, he has pioneered innovative education models, including virtual learning classrooms, STEM hubs, and early childhood development centers. He has received several global recognitions and fellowships for his impact in education and social development. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, he earned a Master’s in Public Administration and was awarded the prestigious Edward Mason Fellowship, Lucius Littauer Award Fellowship, and Erik Yankah Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to society. His work through Slum2School Africa is redefining access to education for thousands of children across the continent.
