Kelvin Obasuyi is first Nigerian awardee for Oxford’s black leadership scholarship

Kelvin Obasuyi has become the first Nigerian to be awarded the Oxford Black Leaders Programme.

Powered through the Saïd Business School Foundation, the Oxford Black Leaders Scholarships offer black and mixed-black applicants resident in the UK and North America the financial support to pursue an Oxford MBA.

These scholarships are intended to support exceptional future leaders who will enhance the diversity of the MBA class and the wider school and will go on to be outstanding leaders within their sectors.

The award, for Obasuyi, is for a master’s in business administration (MBA) at the Said Business School.

The Oxford Black Scholar Programme was announced in October 2023.

Saïd Business School said the scholarship is part of Oxford’s commitment to empower the next generation of black business leaders and ensure that businesses are inclusive, diverse and representative.

Candidates are selected on account of their academic excellence and leadership potential.

Obasuyi is the founder of 56 Capital, an impact investment firm.

He has also been involved in impact investing over the last 10 years, providing support for start-ups across Africa.

Through his venture capital firm, Obasuyi said he has funded about 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He said the programme signifies a transformative journey that would provide him with valuable insight and experience to inspire positive change in Africa.

“This scholarship represents not only a recognition of my potential but also a symbol of the collective potential within the Black community,” the entrepreneur and business leader said.