Adedolapo Osuntuyi, Founder of Dolly Children Foundation and Dolly Stars School, has been named among a prestigious group of 12 African education leaders for the sixth cohort of the AL for Education School CEO Fellowship & Accelerator Programme. This recognition follows a highly competitive selection process that drew applications from across the continent, spotlighting her as a leader committed to transforming education in underserved communities.
Osuntuyi’s inclusion places her among a distinguished cohort of mission-driven school founders and CEOs dedicated to expanding access to quality education throughout Africa. Representing diverse regions—including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and South Sudan—these Fellows exemplify innovative models and approaches, united by a shared goal: to improve learning outcomes and create new opportunities for Africa’s children.
For Osuntuyi, this acknowledgment is especially meaningful, reflecting over a decade of grassroots efforts in education. Through Dolly Children Foundation, she has quietly pioneered initiatives centered on educational access, teacher development, mentorship, scholarships, and community support. Meanwhile, Dolly Stars School provides free, holistic, learner-centered education to children in Makogi, Magboro, Ogun State.
Her selection underscores the importance of sustained, community-focused work and her dedication to practical solutions for children and families often marginalized by formal education systems.
The AL for Education School CEO Fellowship & Accelerator is a comprehensive two-year leadership development program designed to empower education leaders who are creating innovative, scalable models of quality learning across Africa. Participants receive leadership training, operational expertise, financial backing, teacher training opportunities, mentorship, and access to a robust peer network across the continent.
Beyond nurturing individual leaders, the program aims to strengthen the broader education ecosystem by enhancing the capacity of institutions and fostering locally driven solutions—key elements for sustainable progress in African education.
Commenting on her selection, Osuntuyi expressed her gratitude and emphasized its significance:
“This selection deeply humbles me. For me, it is not simply about being chosen for a fellowship; it is a reminder that years of quiet work, persistence and commitment to children matter. Much of the work we do happens away from the spotlight, so to have that journey recognised alongside remarkable education leaders from across Africa is deeply meaningful.”
She further emphasized the value of collaboration and shared learning:
“I am looking forward to learning, unlearning and building with people who are confronting different realities but share the same conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. I hope to bring those lessons back to our schools and communities and, ultimately, contribute to a stronger education ecosystem in Africa.”
This acknowledgment arrives at a pivotal moment for Osuntuyi’s work, as Dolly Children Foundation continues to expand its reach in educational access and capacity building. Her recognition also highlights the growing importance of African-led solutions—practical interventions driven by local leaders to address unique community needs.
As the two-year journey of Cohort 6 begins, Osuntuyi joins eleven other trailblazing education leaders united by a shared vision: to strengthen schools, empower educators, and unlock meaningful opportunities for Africa’s children.
