Adedolapo Osuntuyi Among 12 Africans for AL for Education Fellowship

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Twelve education leaders from across Africa have been selected for Cohort 6 of the prestigious AL for Education School CEO Fellowship & Accelerator Programme, and one of them is the founder of Dolly Children Foundation and Dolly Stars School, Mrs Adedolapo Osuntuyi.

Her selection followed a rigorous selection process involving applications from education leaders across the continent.

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, teacher-training 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.

Business Post gathered that Mrs Osuntuyi was chosen for the initiative because of her efforts in expanding access to quality education in most underserved communities.

For more than a decade, she has, through the Dolly Children Foundation, quietly built initiatives focused on educational access, teacher development, mentorship, scholarships and community support, with Dolly Stars School providing free, holistic and learner-centred education to children in Makogi, Magboro, Ogun State.

“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 stated.

“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,” Mrs Osuntuyi added.

It was learned that the 11 other African education leaders picked for the programme were from Sierra Leone, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya and South Sudan.