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Timothy Olukayode Akano, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Africa Group, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Humanity Flourishing Prize, a global recognition by I AM HUMANITY.
Akano was recognised for more than two decades of work focused on education, technology, youth empowerment and efforts to address Africa’s out-of-school children crisis.
The winners will be announced on October 24, 2026, Humanity Day, a global celebration that had expanded to 53 countries by 2025.
Reacting to the nomination, Akano said: “This nomination is not about me. It is a spotlight on 100 million children the world has not yet found a way to reach, and proof that we already know how.”
In 2026, he launched the Almajiri-to-Tech Empowerment Scheme, training 21 Almajiri children in technology while providing meals, transportation, clothing, tools and a safe learning environment. Graduates were subsequently provided with a workshop where they can work and earn.
Through the Tim Akano Foundation, he also adopted his former primary school, Baptist Day School, Oluponna, Osun State, improving facilities and providing learning materials for its 300 pupils.
At the Federal School of the Blind, Oshodi, Lagos, Akano supported the computerisation of the institution, provided internet access and sponsored ICT training for visually impaired students.
His broader work includes leading One Africa Initiatives and One Africa Academy, convening the World Cyber Security Conference, and promoting semiconductor knowledge transfer between Africa and international partners.
Founded in 2005, New Horizons Africa Group has trained more than two million certified technology professionals and provides thousands of ICT scholarships annually. The organisation has also expanded into artificial intelligence and semiconductor training.
Akano has received more than 350 national, continental and international awards for his contributions to technology, education, youth empowerment and humanitarian service. In 2026, TOP 10 MAGAZINE named him Africa’s Most Awarded Personality.
