A shared commitment to education, safety, and opportunity across generations has earned renowned entrepreneur, technologist, and philanthropist, Mr. Tim Akano, a rare double honour from both his university and primary school alma maters.
In November 2025, Mr. Akano was conferred with Distinguished Alumnus Awards by Obafemi Awolowo University and Baptist Day School, Oluponna, in recognition of his far-reaching contributions to education, mentorship, technology, innovation, and community development.
The twin recognitions mark a significant milestone in a lifelong journey defined by human capital development and measurable social impact.
A 1983 graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr. Akano was honoured by the institution for his global footprint in entrepreneurship and technology, as well as his sustained mentorship of students.
In 2023, he funded 1,000 scholarships valued at ₦60 million to enable OAU students to study Artificial Intelligence. Beyond financial support, he has continued to mentor future leaders by adopting five students annually from the Department of International Relations under a structured mentorship programme.
At Baptist Day School, Oluponna, the recognition carried historic significance. Mr. Akano became the first alumnus since the school’s establishment in the 1930s to receive a Distinguished Alumnus Award.
During a recent visit, he inspected several infrastructure projects executed through the Tim Akano Foundation three years earlier, including a borehole, modern toilet facilities for staff and pupils, and a perimeter fence with a secure gate.
The fence, according to school authorities, has fundamentally transformed the learning environment.
Prior to its construction, pupils were frequently disturbed by reckless grazing within the school premises, environmental pollution from cattle waste, and serious security risks. These challenges, the school noted, have been completely eliminated since the perimeter fence was erected.
Recounting the school’s past vulnerabilities, the Principal recalled a tragic incident that occurred before the intervention, when a nine-year-old pupil was kidnapped within the school premises and never recovered.
The pupil had reportedly gone into a nearby bush to answer the call of nature, unaware that kidnappers were hiding there. Since the completion of the fence three years ago, no case of pupil kidnapping has been recorded.
The impact of the intervention has also reflected in enrolment figures. The Principal disclosed that the school has experienced a steady and significant increase in enrolment over the past three years, with more than 30 new pupils admitted in 2025 alone.
To further enhance safety and learning conditions, the Tim Akano Foundation pledged to provide a grass-cutting machine to maintain the expansive school compound, noting that overgrown vegetation could expose pupils to dangers such as snake bites.
The Foundation also announced the adoption of 10 best graduating pupils, committing to fully sponsor their secondary school education.
In a move to motivate and support teachers, the Foundation introduced a monthly cash incentive scheme for all teaching staff to complement modest government salaries. The November incentive was paid immediately, with assurances that the support would continue indefinitely.
One of the most emotional moments of the visit came when Mr. Akano presented pupils with a glazed copy of his Primary School Leaving Certificate, issued by the school in 1975.
Each pupil was invited to hold the certificate as a living testament to possibility, accompanied by a simple message: if I could do it, you can do even more. In appreciation, the school management formally presented him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Similarly, at Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr. Akano was celebrated for his enduring mentorship, entrepreneurship development initiatives, and contributions to technology and innovation within Nigeria and the global community.
Together, the double honours underscore Mr. Tim Akano’s enduring legacy as a bridge between education, opportunity, and lasting societal transformation.