Over 300 Black students from across the United Kingdom converged at Imperial College London for the Black Graduate Career Conference, a dynamic and empowering event co-hosted by renowned Kwara-born academic, Professor Sunday Popo-Ola, Director of the Integrated Space Science and Engineering (ISSE) programme at the university.
The conference, held within the prestigious halls of Imperial College, was part of the Black Inclusivity Catalyst programme—an initiative aimed at amplifying Black representation, visibility, and participation in higher education and research. Professor Popo-Ola worked alongside Professor Sara Rankin and Dr Wayne Mitchell, Associate Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Imperial College, to bring the event to life.
The day offered an immersive experience packed with insightful workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions. Attendees engaged in sessions exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance skill development, how to design inclusive futures in engineering, and the importance of negotiation as a life and career tool. Discussions also covered the value of postgraduate studies in entrepreneurship, the expanding frontier of commercial science, the lived experiences of Black PhD scholars, and the significant role of Black entrepreneurship in shaping global markets.
The event climaxed with a powerful showcase of Rising Stars—young achievers making significant strides across industries—followed by a captivating keynote address by Big Manny, a science-first content creator and digital influencer. His session highlighted the fusion of STEM education, creativity, and online engagement as a model for future-forward Black youth.
A celebratory networking session rounded off the day, where participants bonded over traditional Nigerian dishes, reinforcing the sense of community, heritage, and professional ambition that marked the entire event.
Reflecting on the success of the conference, Professor Popo-Ola expressed pride in what had been achieved.
“This event isn’t just about career guidance; it’s about representation, possibility, and building a pipeline of empowered Black graduates who know their worth and understand their potential to lead and transform industries,” he said.
Professor Popo-Ola, who recently marked his 60th birthday, continues to be a global beacon of academic excellence. He has received widespread accolades for his groundbreaking work in space science and his unwavering commitment to mentoring and empowering young people. In 2023, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq paid glowing tribute to him, describing him as “a pride of Kwara and an inspiration to many young people, particularly in the STEM fields.”
The Black Graduate Career Conference is expected to grow into a landmark platform for nurturing Black excellence in elite academic and professional spaces. It is one of several initiatives under the Black Inclusivity Catalyst programme.
The next event in the series—Africa Innovates Conference—is scheduled for July 16, 2025, and will feature 15 Imperial College researchers presenting their work on solving pressing problems across the African continent. More information on the Black Inclusivity Catalyst initiative is available on the Imperial College website.
