University News Last updated 24 July
The first black chair of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) says he wants to emulate his mother by transforming the lives of thousands of young people through education after receiving an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU).
British entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Ilube CBE has established the Hammersmith Academy in London and the African Gifted Foundation, a UK education charity focused on science and technology in Africa, in a career that has also seen him take on non-executive roles with the BBC and WPP, the world’s largest advertising company.
“My mother was a teacher for her whole career, in London, in Uganda and in Nigeria,” says Mr Ilube. “She transformed the lives of tens of thousands of students over 40 years.
“My father’s life, from a small village in Nigeria, was also transformed by education. I want to have the same transformational impact on the lives of other young people through education.”
The African Gifted Foundation established the African Science Academy (ASA) in 2016, the continent’s first all-girls science and maths academy.
The ASA has educated around 200 young women from 14 countries, 95% of which secure full university scholarships as a result. It has also trained 200 teachers across Ghana to help thousands of children in the country and improve STEM education.
“I wanted to create a unique institution, designed specifically for young women,” said Mr Ilube, who was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to Technology and Philanthropy. “We want to encourage those with a passion for science and technology to transform the continent.”
Mr Ilube was presented the award at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall today (Wednesday 24th July). Speaking to graduates at the ceremony, Mr Ilube said: “This is the time when dreams really can come true.
“Be ‘dreamers of the day’, armed with an amazing education from the wonderful Birmingham City University, I want you to go out into the world with huge, impossible dreams and make them possible.”
The entrepreneur was nominated for the honorary doctorate by BCU’s Chancellor Sir Lenny Henry, who is presiding over his last set of graduation ceremonies after eight years in the role.
“Knowing that the Sir Lenny Henry nominated me makes the award even more special,” said Mr Ilube. “I have huge respect for him and he’s an inspiration to people across the city.”
Mr Ilube will also become Chair of The Prince’s Trust later this year and hopes he can continue to be a role model for young black people.
“As a black person at the top of some high-profile organisations, I’m aware that I carry an extra responsibility as a role model,” he said.
“I hope that my presence can serve as a sign to young black leaders to set their sights high and, whilst there will be challenges, I am proof that it is possible to reach those heights.”