Karimot Odebode

Karimot Odebode, an education advocate from Ibadan, Nigeria, never imagined standing before world leaders at the 77th UN General Assembly to emphasize the importance of transforming and financing education. At the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, introduced by Malala, she delivered the Youth Declaration on behalf of 500,000 young people. Born in Ibadan, where 463,280 children lack access to education, Karimot witnessed the impact of this issue firsthand. Her personal experiences, such as a 14-year-old girl hawking water instead of attending school, drove her advocacy efforts. 

Karimot founded the Black Girl's Dream Initiative to promote education, youth leadership, and gender equality. With a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and over five years of experience in advocacy, she has pursued a master’s degree in education policy and Analysis at Harvard University. At Harvard, she has worked as a consultant for the Ministry of Education in Nigeria to address the out-of-school children crisis. 

Her academic journey began with commendations for her performance in primary school and continued through active participation in debating and leadership roles during secondary school and university. Karimot represented her university in debate competitions and was recognized as a semifinalist in the President Innovation Challenge at Harvard. 

Despite facing gender-based discouragement, she ran for President of the Faculty of Law, inspiring many female students to pursue leadership positions. As Hall Chairperson, she improved living conditions for over 2000 students. Her involvement includes judging initiatives like the Let Girls Thrive Fund and the Boston Debate League. 

Through the Black Girl's Dream Initiative, Karimot impacted over 1,117 students in 55 schools by teaching public speaking, critical thinking and debate. Her aim is to transform education and gender equality using debate as a tool. As a founding member of Transform Education, hosted by the United Nations Girls Education Initiative, she collaborated on community-based solutions for education. 

Karimot contributed to reports on education, including co-writing the foreword for the G7 Global Objectives on Girls' Education Baseline Report 2022. Her advocacy journey faced significant challenges earlier, including visa delays and health issues, but she persevered, arriving at Harvard determined to make a difference. 

A published poet, Karimot uses her art to advocate for social change and has spoken at high-level meetings organized by development organizations. She created the Transform Education anthem for the UN Girls Education Initiative and presented her work at various global events. During the COVID pandemic, she organized the Ibadan Walk Against Rape, which led to significant media coverage and the establishment of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Oyo State. 

Karimot's global impact includes leading youth consultations for the Transforming Education Summit, being recognized as one of the 17 young leaders for the SDGs by the UN, and collaborating with young advocates worldwide. Having co-presented the Youth Declaration at the 2022 UN General Assembly and led initiatives like the ONE #VoteYourFuture Youth Summit, she has proved a powerful advocate. As a member of the UNESCO SDG4 Youth & Students Network and a Generation Connect African Youth Envoy for the ITU, she continues to work with young people globally to advance education and gender equality.