Chancellor

Yekemi Otaru DUniv

Yekemi Otaru is an award-winning entrepreneur, accomplished charity leader, and the current Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland. A passionate advocate for women in business, she actively mentors entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in some of the world's most disadvantaged communities.

With four degrees and a strong background in engineering and marketing, Yekemi has extensive industrial experience spanning multiple sectors. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Somebody Cares SCIO, a high-impact charity based in Aberdeen that provides holistic support and immediate relief to over 13,000 people facing hardship and poverty.

As the founder of YO Ventures Ltd, Yekemi is dedicated to empowering start-ups and small businesses through strategic business education and consultancy. Her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship have earned her numerous accolades, including Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the 4th Scottish Women Awards and Services Industry Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023.

In her role as Chancellor of UWS, Yekemi holds formal powers to confer degrees, diplomas, and academic distinctions. She also serves as a key advocate and representative of the university, championing innovation, education, and entrepreneurship on national and international platforms.