Hakeem Subair, is the Founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers (1MT), and a
prominent figure in educational innovation. His extensive academic background
includes a master’s degree in Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Business from the University of Windsor, alongside a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. An Edtech Fellow at Cambridge University/HP Partnership for Education, Subair’s accolades include numerous academic awards and membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society. He has also served as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in Innovation and Change Management, and Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship.

1 Million Teachers was inspired by Subair’s personal experience of the challenges in finding quality education for his daughter in Nigeria. This led to the establishment of their own school in 2008, revealing the systemic issues within the Nigerian education system, particularly the lack of qualified teachers. Driven by this realisation, Subair founded 1MT to transform education.

1MT aims to create a wave of highly trained, innovative educators capable of driving grassroots change. Despite numerous challenges, the organisation has trained over 60,000 educators across more than 20 countries, indirectly impacting approximately 4 million students. This growth underscores the founding vision and the resilience of the 1MT community.

One of 1MT's flagship initiatives is the Blackbelt Program, a teacher training model inspired by martial arts. Educators progress through various levels of mastery by completing online courses, mentoring sessions, and community projects. This programme covers pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, leadership, and innovation, providing access to a global network of peers and experts.

In partnership with HP and Girl Rising, 1MT launched the HP Mentor a Teacher
Program, focusing on gender equity, digital literacy, leadership development, and
success mindset. This programme pairs HP employees with Blackbelt educators, enhancing their ability to empower girls and advance quality education.

1MT collaborates with numerous academic institutions and organisations to offer supplementary teacher education, global knowledge exchanges, and professional development opportunities. These collaborations ensure that aspiring teachers receive comprehensive training to meet the sector's challenges.

Under Subair’s leadership, 1 Million Teachers is a pioneering force in global
education reform, dedicated to building a critical mass of highly trained, enterprising education changemakers. Through innovative programmes, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted passion for education, Subair and 1MT are shaping a brighterfuture for educators and students worldwide.