Education has always had the power to change lives. But that change only happens when learning is made accessible, affordable and built around what the real world actually demands. Across the education landscape, visionary leaders are redefining how knowledge is delivered and how opportunities are created for learners. Leke Oyetoke is one of those people. As the Founder & Board Member at Scholars International Institute of Technology (SIIT), he has spent years building a place where learners can gain skills that genuinely prepare them for work, business and life in a digital and competitive world.
Inspired by Learning and Guided by Purpose
Leke’s journey into education and EdTech was inspired by a simple yet powerful observation: many talented individuals possess the potential to succeed but lack access to practical, affordable, and industry-relevant education. Early in his career as an academic assistance, digital marketer, and tech professional, he witnessed firsthand how traditional education often failed to equip learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.
The first spark that ignited this passion began much earlier, during his high school years. As an introverted and curious student, he found comfort and inspiration in books. The school library became his second home. During break periods, while many students socialized elsewhere, he could often be found reading and researching.
His constant presence in the library did not go unnoticed. Teachers would occasionally visit the library looking for academically inclined students to assist with script marking, project preparation, research assignments, and other academic activities. He was frequently selected for these opportunities, giving him early exposure to the world of research and academic administration.
The same pattern continued at university. Lecturers sought students who could support research projects, academic writing, data gathering, and various scholarly tasks. Once again, he found himself deeply involved in activities extending far beyond the classroom.
These experiences profoundly shaped his outlook on education. They exposed him to the transformative power of knowledge and nurtured a deep appreciation for academia. He became fascinated by every aspect of the educational ecosystem, including classrooms, libraries, research culture, student communities, and the endless pursuit of learning.
From Vision to Reality: The Founding of SIIT
Long before he understood how it would happen, Leke dreamed of establishing an educational institution that would make learning more accessible, practical, and impactful for people everywhere. That vision became reality in 2015 with the founding of Scholars International Institute of Technology (SIIT), created with a clear mission: to make skills education accessible to anyone, regardless of location or financial background.
Before launching SIIT, he gained valuable industry experience through technical and leadership roles, including working with KW Technologies and later serving as IT Manager at Beulah Forex Institute. These experiences provided practical insights into technology, business operations, and workforce development, complementing the academic foundation built over the years.
The combination of academic exposure and real-world technical experience laid the groundwork for what SIIT represents today; a place where a passion for learning meets the transformative power of technology and skills development. Through accessible, high-quality education, SIIT continues to help learners acquire practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills that enable them to compete and succeed in an increasingly digital world.
For him, “Education has never been merely about certificates or qualifications. It is about unlocking human potential, creating opportunities, and empowering people to build better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.” That belief continues to drive everything he does.
Leading with Vision and Strategic Clarity
As founder, Leke views his primary responsibility as being a steward of the vision. He remains actively involved in overseeing operations while ensuring that every decision aligns with the long-term mission of making skills education accessible and impactful.
He defines his role as creating clarity, setting strategic priorities, building strong teams, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation. In his view, “Founders must constantly balance today’s operational realities with tomorrow’s opportunities.” His responsibility is to ensure that SIIT remains mission-driven while evolving to meet future educational and workforce needs.
Innovation Through Listening
Innovation, according to Leke, begins with listening. He continuously engages learners, instructors, employers, and industry experts to understand emerging skill demands and learning preferences.
He closely monitors advancements in AI, workforce trends, and global educational best practices. Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, he focuses on innovations that improve learning outcomes, accessibility, engagement, and employability.
His commitment is to create learning experiences that are not only technologically advanced but also practical, measurable, and aligned with real-world opportunities.
A Leadership Style Built on Collaboration
Leke describes his leadership style as thoughtful, collaborative, purpose-driven, and empowering. Guided by his mantra, “Collaborativeness over Assertiveness,” he believes great ideas can come from anyone within an organization.
He strives to create an environment where people feel trusted, valued, and inspired to contribute their best work. Transparency, shared goals, and continuous learning are priorities when managing teams and partnerships. He believes, “Innovation flourishes when people are empowered to experiment, solve problems, and take ownership.”
At the same time, he emphasizes accountability and measurable impact to ensure continuous progress toward the institution’s mission.
Adapting to Changing Learner Expectations
Staying ahead requires a mindset of continuous learning. Leke actively engages with industry research, global education communities, technological developments, and emerging workforce trends.
He pays close attention to how learners consume content, interact with technology, and develop skills. Recognizing that modern learners expect flexibility, personalization, and practical outcomes, he continuously refines learning models, curriculum design, and delivery methods.
For him, adaptability has become one of the most important competencies for educational organizations operating in today’s digital world.
Understanding the Challenges of EdTech
One of the defining challenges in building an EdTech venture has been understanding how value and ROI are generated and differ from sectors such as FinTech.
In FinTech, ROI is often compounding and usage driven. A single user may interact with a financial app daily; making transfers, payments, investments, or tracking financial activity. Education, however, frequently operates through a finite consumption model. Learners may complete a course, acquire the intended skill, and disengage once their objectives have been achieved.
This reality reshaped Leke’s understanding of sustainability and scale. He realized that success in EdTech cannot be measured using the same engagement-driven metrics. Instead, the focus must shift from a repetitive model to outcome-based value creation and the effectiveness with which learners move from learning to earning.
This experience taught him that EdTech requires a different commercial architecture; one that balances financial sustainability with social impact. Rather than relying solely on repeated usage, the emphasis must be on expanding learner reach, increasing course relevance, and continuously evolving offerings so that education remains a lifelong journey rather than a one-time transaction.
Ultimately, this challenge reinforced a key truth: EdTech ROI is measured not by frequency of use, but by depth of transformation. That understanding continues to shape SIIT’s emphasis on meaningful impact and long-term value.
Achievements Rooted in Transformation
While awards and recognitions are encouraging, Leke considers the transformation of learners’ lives his most meaningful achievement.
Among the milestones in his journey are receiving the Edupreneur of the Year Award from FOYA, being named by Microsoft as a Top Visionary Leader, being recognized among The Most Empowering Business Leaders by CIO Views and earning Doctoral Distinctions for SIIT’s contributions to digital learning.
These achievements validate the work of his entire team and the impact they are creating globally. Yet beyond recognition, seeing thousands of learners acquire new skills, secure employment opportunities, launch businesses, and improve their lives remains his greatest source of fulfillment.
Sustaining Impact Through Balance
Running a fast-paced venture requires balance, which Leke views as a continuous process rather than a fixed destination.
Although he acknowledges that there is rarely a perfect work-life balance, he makes a conscious effort to prioritize what matters most, delegate effectively, and create time for family, reflection, learning, and personal development.
He believes maintaining physical health, mental clarity, and meaningful relationships is essential for sustainable leadership. Through experience, he has learned that long-term impact requires long-term sustainability and that founders must care for themselves if they wish to continue serving their teams, organizations, and communities effectively.
Advice for Future EdTech Entrepreneurs
For aspiring founders, Leke’s advice is straightforward: start by solving a real problem.
He believes too many founders focus on building technology before understanding learner needs. He encourages listening to students, educators, employers, and communities and building solutions around genuine challenges rather than assumptions.
According to him, “Education is ultimately about human transformation, not just technology.” He advises entrepreneurs to focus on impact before scale and value before valuation. Patience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, he believes, are essential ingredients for building meaningful and scalable education solutions.
A Vision Beyond Credentials
Looking ahead, Leke’s long-term goal is to help create educational ecosystems that make quality learning accessible to anyone, anywhere.
He hopes to continue building platforms, partnerships, and infrastructure that empower individuals with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills. His vision extends beyond certificates and credentials. It is about helping people unlock opportunities, improve their economic prospects, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Through technology, he seeks to shape a future where education is more accessible, skills are more relevant, and talent can thrive regardless of geographical or economic limitations.
Ultimately, success, in his view, will not be measured by the size of an organization, but by the lives transformed through learning. Through his unwavering commitment to accessibility, innovation, and human development, Leke Oyetoke continues to demonstrate how education and technology can come together to create opportunities and change lives across the world.
