Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is a renowned African social entrepreneur and leader celebrated for her innovative work in technology-driven education, youth empowerment, and artificial intelligence for development. Born on November 8, 1983, in Lagos, Nigeria, Toyosi has made significant strides in closing the digital gap and expanding opportunities for young people across the continent. As the founder of Rise Networks and a Harvard Kennedy School alumna, she has emerged as a driving force for educational transformation and inclusive leadership.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oluwatoyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Partner | Adekunle Ogunsiji (married 2014) |
| Children | Yes |
| Occupations | Social Entrepreneur, AI Advocate, Educator, Film Producer, Public Policy Expert |
| Net Worth | $5 million – $15 million |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Toyosi excelled academically from a young age. She earned her Law degree with Second Class Upper honors from the University of Jos in 2007.
Furthering her education, she became an Edward Mason Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where she completed her Mid-Career Master in Public Administration.
Her extensive academic background also includes executive studies in Strategic Management at Cambridge University, as well as certifications in Youth Inclusive Financial Services, Digital Marketing, and Project Management.
In 2025, she began a PhD Fellowship at the Nigerian Defense Academy, focusing on Defense and Digital Transformation.
Career
Toyosi began her professional career in 2007 with Oando Oil and Gas PLC as a Corporate Communications and External Affairs Executive. She then transitioned into public service as Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development in Ogun State, gaining important experience shaping youth policies.
Driven to improve youth outcomes through technology, Toyosi founded Rise Networks — a social enterprise promoting advocacy, skills development, and leadership training for young Africans. The organization spearheaded Africa’s first career coaching chatbot, recognized by the United Nations AI for Good initiatives.
She also launched Passnownow.com in 2012, Nigeria’s pioneering mobile learning platform that digitizes the secondary school curriculum for widespread access. Today, the platform boasts over 65,000 teacher users and reaches students in nearly every Nigerian state.
Passnownow.com provides affordable, curriculum-aligned educational content and exam resources, and has been the subject of Harvard Business School case studies.
A prominent advocate for ethical AI in Africa, Toyosi was named one of the Top 30 Global AI Ambassadors by Swiss Cognitive in 2023.
She serves on the UNDP’s AI for Development Reference Group and represented Nigeria at the UK government’s AI Safety Summit.
Her organization has completed research for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office focusing on AI for border security.
Expanding into media, Toyosi co-produced “Makemation,” the continent’s first feature film centered on AI and youth empowerment, released in 2025. The film highlights African youths using technology to address pressing challenges, spotlighting especially young women in STEM.
International Roles and Humanitarian Leadership
Toyosi chairs the COVID-19 task force of Nigeria’s Presidential Victims Support Fund Committee, managing over N1.8 billion in pandemic relief funds to support vulnerable populations.
She has judged and mentored at global institutions such as MIT and spearheaded international student programs underscoring governance and economic development in Nigeria.
Personal Life
Toyosi is married to Adekunle Ogunsiji since 2014. They have a son named Ayokunle, born in 2017. She often shares insights into balancing motherhood with a demanding career and credits her family’s strong support, especially her mother, for shaping her values and drive.
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji Net Worth
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $15 million USD based on her leadership roles and business ventures, though exact figures are not public.
Awards and Honors
Toyosi’s work has earned her significant accolades:
- Forbes Africa’s 20 Most Powerful Young Women (2014)
- Top 30 Global AI Ambassadors by Swiss Cognitive (2023)
- Personal inspiration cited by Michelle Obama (2011)
- The Future Awards Advocacy Prize (2008)
- Crans Montana New Leaders for Tomorrow
- Mason Fellowship, Harvard Kennedy School
- Aspen Institute Global Leadership Fellow
- Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2011)
- This Day’s Women of Distinction Award, among others
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji’s story is one of passion, innovation, and leadership. Her work continues to inspire new generations across Africa, advancing education, technology, and responsible development for a better future on the continent.
