FUTA Alumnus Femi Austin Wins “Unsung Hero Award” at 2025 Black Business & Tech Awards, UK

Femi Titilayo Austin, alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has been honoured with the prestigious “Unsung Hero Award” at the 2025 Black Business & Tech Awards, organised by Stick and Stone Studios in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.

The award recognises individuals whose quiet yet impactful contributions effect real change in communities, exemplifying leadership, service, and transformation.

Mr. Austin, a former FUTA student leader and staff member in the Student Affairs Division, has long been committed to student welfare, mentorship, discipline, and leadership development. He currently serves as leader and pastor of Christ Apostolic Church Kingsrealm UK, a growing faith community, and spearheads Transformation Space UK, a community-focused initiative supporting migrants, families, youth, and vulnerable groups across Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley.

A trained Kanthari Change Agent, Mr. Austin honed his skills in social innovation at the Kanthari Institute in Kerala, India, where leaders are equipped to transform adversity into impactful solutions. Through this lens, he continues to champion social development both in the UK and Africa.

He also leads the Lead Transformation Initiative (LTI), driving programmes in leadership development, youth empowerment, educational support, and agricultural innovation across Nigeria. Under his guidance, thousands of young people have benefited from training, mentorship, and resources, while rural communities have received agricultural support and educational interventions.

The Unsung Hero Award highlights Mr. Austin’s dedication to:

• Supporting new migrant families and enhancing community cohesion
• Advocating for youth wellbeing and family safety
• Driving faith-based service and digital empowerment
• Responding to crises affecting vulnerable residents

His efforts have directly impacted over 82 beneficiaries, with many more reached through ongoing initiatives, strengthening family resilience and community development across the region.

The Black Business & Tech Awards celebrate individuals whose enterprise, innovation, and community engagement make lasting differences. Mr. Austin’s recognition underscores FUTA’s legacy of nurturing alumni who excel not only professionally but as transformative agents for societal good.