Rafiu is awards finalist for transforming youth empowerment in Nigeria

Essex Entrepreneurship and Innovation graduate Rafiu Olaore is a finalist for Nigeria in the Study UK Alumni Awards for his outstanding dedication to supporting the economic empowerment of young people.

Rafiu, who studied at the University of Essex’s Southend Campus and graduated with an MSc in 2012, is the founder and executive director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS).

Since its inception in 2020, YEDIS has positively impacted over 200,000 young people in Nigeria, creating more than 20,000 jobs and offering seed funding and material support to over 10,000 agripreneurs and traders. Additionally, YEDIS has provided training and digital literacy education to more than 50,000 individuals, fostering innovation and opportunity in vulnerable communities.

Rafiu said: "This recognition from the Study UK Alumni Awards strengthens my commitment to fostering inclusive growth through impactful entrepreneurial initiatives. I consider it a distinct honor to be recognized in this manner."

Rafiu credits his success to the transformative education he received at the University of Essex, supported by the Nigeria Tetfund Scholarship. During his time at Essex, Rafiu immersed himself in teamwork, innovation, and the practical application of digital entrepreneurship. He represented Essex at the 2nd GMLG Conference on Entrepreneurship in Germany in 2012, where his team’s business plan project won a cash prize, laying the foundation for his leadership journey. His dissertation on Nigerian rural family businesses influenced his approach to addressing youth unemployment in marginalised areas.

After returning to Nigeria, Rafiu became Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship Education at Osun State Polytechnic, where he taught entrepreneurial skills to over 60,000 students from 2013 to 2019. Building on this experience, Rafiu launched YEDIS to tackle poverty, unemployment and hunger on an even larger scale.

YEDIS’s success has garnered global recognition, with Rafiu invited to speak at prestigious events, including the One Young World Summit 2024 in Montreal, the United Nations Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, and the World Trade Organization Public Forum in Geneva. His insights on digital rural entrepreneurship have shaped discussions on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in Nigeria partnered with YEDIS to deliver semester-long entrepreneurship training to over 10,000 students.

Rafiu’s achievements have been acknowledged by numerous awards, including honours from the Rotary Club, Lions Clubs International, and a Community Chieftain title. His organisation, YEDIS, was nominated for the Pioneers in SDGs Award 2024 by the Journalists and Writers Foundation in the USA, recognising its outstanding contributions to youth empowerment.

His influence as a UK alumnus extends beyond Nigeria. Rafiu has assisted over 20 individuals in gaining admission to UK universities, with some now serving as coordinators within YEDIS, ensuring its initiatives are effectively implemented. Through articles, books, and policy briefs, Rafiu has contributed to shaping sustainable development frameworks, earning him a nomination to the World Bank’s Civil Society Policy Forum Working Group for 2024–2026.

Rafiu remains deeply connected to the University of Essex, crediting the Essex Entrepreneurs’ Network and alumni resources for continually enhancing his skills. In 2024, he earned a Professional Skills Badge in intercultural communication from the British Council, highlighting his dedication to lifelong learning and international collaboration.

From Osogbo to Geneva, Rafiu Olaore’s journey exemplifies the power of education and entrepreneurship in transforming lives. His selection as a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards for Nigeria is a testament to his relentless commitment to creating opportunities for youth and driving sustainable development on a global scale.