Hakeem Subair, the founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers (1MT), is a distinguished figure in the field of educational innovation. He is an Edtech Fellow in the Cambridge University/HP Partnership for Education, a testament to his commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement. Hakeem holds a master’s degree in Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, complemented by a Certificate in Social Impact from the same institution. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Business, with a concentration in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from the University of Windsor, Canada, and a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Hakeem’s dedication to education and entrepreneurship is reflected in his numerous academic awards and honors, including membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society. His expertise has also led him to serve as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in Innovation and Change Management, as well as Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship. These roles have allowed him to apply business principles to tackle global challenges, further shaping his vision for 1 Million Teachers.
The inception of 1MT is deeply rooted in Hakeem’s personal experiences. In 2008, faced with challenges in finding suitable educational facilities for his daughter in Nigeria, Hakeem and his family established their own school. This venture exposed him to the profound issues plaguing the Nigerian education system, particularly the chronic shortage of qualified teachers. Motivated by this revelation, Hakeem embarked on a mission to transform education through 1 Million Teachers.
1 Million Teachers began with a vision as expansive as the Saharan sky and a determination as steadfast as the roots of the baobab tree. The organization aims to ignite a transformative wave of highly trained, innovative educators capable of driving grassroots change in their communities. The journey of 1MT is a narrative of struggle, resilience, and triumph, mirroring the challenges and victories that define educational reform in many parts of the world.
1MT has faced numerous challenges, akin to navigating a swollen river threatening to burst its banks. Despite these obstacles, 1MT has grown from the seeds of passion, extending its roots to the heartlands of Africa and beyond. The organization has trained over 60,000 educators across more than 20 countries, impacting approximately 4 million students indirectly. This growth is a testament to the founding vision and the resilience of the 1MT community.
One of the flagship initiatives of 1MT is the Blackbelt Program, an innovative teacher training model inspired by martial arts. Teachers progress through various levels of mastery, from white belt to black belt, by completing online courses, mentoring sessions, and community projects. This program covers essential aspects of teaching, such as pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, leadership, and innovation. It also provides teachers with access to a global network of peers, experts, and partners, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In partnership with HP and Girl Rising, 1MT has launched the HP Mentor a Teacher Program, focusing on gender equity, digital literacy, leadership development, and success mindset. This six-month program pairs HP employees with Blackbelt educators, enhancing their ability to empower girls and advance quality education.
1MT also collaborates with numerous academic institutions and organizations to provide supplementary teacher education, global knowledge exchanges, and professional development opportunities. These collaborations ensure that aspiring teachers receive comprehensive training that prepares them for the challenges of the education sector.
Hakeem Subair’s leadership and vision have positioned 1 Million Teachers as a pioneering force in global education reform. His unwavering commitment to applying business principles to educational challenges continues to drive the organization’s mission of building a critical mass of highly trained, enterprising education changemakers. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted passion for education, Hakeem and 1MT are shaping a brighter future for educators and students worldwide.
On a quest to build a critical mass of highly trained and enterprising education changemakers who will lead grassroots improvement within their communities, 1 Million Teachers continues to inspire educators to become leaders and change-makers in their communities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and resilience. With Hakeem Subair at the helm, 1MT stands as a testament to the power of education and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and create lasting change.
Key Stats:
- Educators Trained: 60,000+
- Countries: 20+
- Students Impacted Indirectly: 4 million
- Female Educators: 61%
