Tom Ilube receives honorary doctorate
RFU Chair Tom Ilube was awarded an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University.
The first black chair of the 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.
British entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Ilube CBE 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 also saw him take on non-executive roles with the BBC and advertising company WPP.
“My mother was a teacher for her whole career, in London, in Uganda and in Nigeria,” said Tom. “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.”
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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 Tom, who was appointed a CBE in 2018 for services to Technology and Philanthropy. “We want to encourage those with a passion for science and technology to transform the continent.”
Tom was presented the award at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and, speaking to graduates at the ceremony, he 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 Tom. “I have huge respect for him and he’s an inspiration to people across the city.”
Tom 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.”
