Editorial Note by Dr. Princess Oghene, National Public Relations Secretary, USGEAAN NEC
In this edition of the Alumni Spotlight Series, we highlight the inspiring journey of Emmanuel Agunze, a USGEAAN alumnus whose work through The Makoko Dream is transforming lives in one of Africa’s most marginalized communities. From providing tuition-free education to pioneering storytelling for visibility, Emmanuel’s leadership demonstrates the power of alumni impact in advancing education, social innovation, and community empowerment.
Interview
Q: What inspired you to start The Makoko Dream?
My mom was a community leader and vibrant philanthropist alongside my dad. Though she dropped out in Primary 6, she ensured all her children were educated. When she passed away while I was 7, I resolved to carry forward her legacy by helping other children access education.
In 2016, after chaperoning a Covenant University group on an urban population project in Makoko, I felt a strong conviction to stay and drive sustainable change. That birthed The Makoko Dream — because every child’s dream is valid.
Q: Can you describe the realities of Makoko and why your work is critical?
Makoko is the largest floating slum in Africa, nicknamed the Venice of Africa but a far cry from Venice. Education is considered a luxury here, and this lack of access perpetuates poverty. We founded The Makoko Dream School to grant free access to quality education through tuition-free nursery and primary schools sustained by volunteers and sponsors.
Q: Do you have a story that illustrates the impact of your work?
Yes. Chiboy, a 14-year-old who was once aggressive and out of school, was about to be sent to the village for underperformance. We took him in, gave him a conducive learning environment, and today, he excels academically, consistently placing 1st or 2nd. Recently, he won a leadership and entrepreneurship award from a Canadian Business Group (2025). His story embodies the transformation possible when children are given care, education, and opportunity.
Q: What are your key programs and partnerships?
We introduced the Makoko Dream Super Heroes Program, where individuals and corporations can “adopt” a child as Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsors (₦150k, ₦100k, ₦50k, ₦30k respectively).
We’ve also built partnerships with banks, NGOs, industries, and most notably Code for Africa in the #MapMakoko project, which mapped Makoko for the first time in history, enhancing visibility and resource access.
Q: How has your alumni experience shaped your approach?
Through exchange programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, I discovered the power of storytelling. Impact must be documented and shared; this fosters visibility, accountability, and trust among supporters.
Q: What challenges do you face in leadership and how do you overcome them?
One major challenge is waning interest in humanitarian work, especially in Africa. Initially, I was ridiculed for pursuing this vision. I overcame this through consistency, focus, and tangible results. As I like to say: people would rather join a moving train than a static Ferrari.
Q: What is your vision for the future of Makoko?
I envision Makoko as both a tourist destination and a citadel of learning. With hard work, treasures in the trenches can be unearthed. By expanding sponsorship and ensuring more out-of-school children gain quality education, we can create lasting transformation.
Closing Thoughts
Spotlighting the work we do is vital for visibility. Being physically present at our programs or supporting through the Super Heroes Program amplifies our reach.
Once again, I thank Dr. Princess Oghene and USGEAAN for projecting the impactful work of alumni. Long live USGEAAN!
Warm Regards,
Emmanuel Agunze
Founder & CEO, The Makoko Dream
Lagos, Nigeria
