Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) has selected 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 fellowship will enable Otto to engage with top U.S. experts and thought leaders as he furthers his mission to bridge the education gap for underserved children across Africa.

The 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellows comprise a diverse group of changemakers addressing critical global challenges, from climate resilience to healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence. Otto’s selection recognizes his groundbreaking work in education, human capital development, and social impact across the continent.

Since founding Slum2School in 2012, Otto has led initiatives that have impacted over 685,450 children in Nigeria and mobilized more than 45,000 volunteers worldwide. Under his leadership, the organization has pioneered Africa’s first virtual learning classroom, established STEM learning hubs, and launched the Slum2School Academy for early childhood education. His ambitious vision includes expanding these efforts to create 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 participate in an intensive six-week program across the United States, engaging with policymakers, education leaders, and social impact organizations to explore scalable education reform models. His goal is to drive systemic change and influence policies that ensure millions of African children have access to quality early childhood education.

“I am deeply honored to be named a 2025 Eisenhower Global Fellow,” Otto shared on Instagram. “This opportunity will help accelerate our mission to expand 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.

Orondaam Otto is a renowned social entrepreneur, international development consultant, and education advocate dedicated to transforming learning opportunities for underserved children in Africa. 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 contributions to society. His work through Slum2School Africa is redefining education access for thousands of children across the continent.