Lagos, Nigeria — Founder of Dolly Children Foundation and Dolly Stars School, Adedolapo Osuntuyi,
has been selected as one of 12 education leaders from across Africa for Cohort 6 of the AL for Education
School CEO Fellowship & Accelerator Programme, following a rigorous selection process involving
applications from education leaders across the continent.
The selection places Osuntuyi among a distinguished cohort of mission-driven school founders and CEOs working
to expand access to quality education across some of Africa’s most underserved communities. Across African
countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya and South Sudan, the 12 Fellows represent
diverse education models and approaches, united by a shared commitment to strengthening learning outcomes and
creating better opportunities for children across the continent.
For Osuntuyi, the recognition is particularly significant against the backdrop of more than a decade of largely
grassroots work in education. Through Dolly Children Foundation, she has quietly built initiatives focused on
educational access, teacher development, mentorship, scholarships and community support, while Dolly Stars
School provides free, holistic and learner-centred education to children in Makogi, Magboro, Ogun State.
Her selection reflects the significance of this sustained work and her commitment to building practical solutions
around children and communities that are often left at the margins of formal education.
The AL for Education School CEO Fellowship & Accelerator is a two-year leadership development
programme designed to strengthen education leaders who are building and expanding innovative models of quality
learning across Africa. Fellows receive leadership development, operational expertise, financial support, teachertraining opportunities, mentorship and access to a continental peer network.
Beyond individual leadership development, the programme seeks to strengthen the people and institutions
responsible for delivering education, recognising that sustainable improvement in African education requires
capable school leaders, stronger systems and locally driven solutions.
Commenting on her selection, Osuntuyi said the opportunity represents both a personal milestone and an
affirmation of the work that has been taking place behind the scenes for years.
“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 added that the fellowship provides an opportunity to learn from other African education leaders while
strengthening the systems behind her own work.
“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.”
The fellowship comes at a significant point in Osuntuyi’s journey, as the Dolly Children Foundation continues to
expand its work in educational access and capacity building. Her selection also reinforces the growing importance
of African-led solutions and education leaders translating conviction into practical interventions in their
communities.
As Cohort 6 begins its two-year journey, Osuntuyi joins eleven other African education leaders united by a
common objective: to strengthen schools, empower educators, and expand meaningful opportunities
for children across the continent.
About Adedolapo Osuntuyi
Adedolapo Osuntuyi is the Founder and Executive Director of Dolly Children Foundation and Founder of
Dolly Stars School, committed to expanding access to quality education for underserved children through
education, capacity building, and community development.
With over 15 years of grassroots work, her initiatives have reached more than 23,000 children and trained
over 2,500 teachers, spanning educational access, literacy, mentorship, and teacher development.
Osuntuyi is a YALI Fellow, published author, and recipient of the African Humanitarian Award for
Education Champion. She is also a Cohort 6 Fellow of the AL for Education School CEO Fellowship &
Accelerator Programme, selected alongside 11 African education leaders through a rigorous continental
selection process.