Nigerian entrepreneur and youth advocate, Matthew Kehinde Ogunniyi, popularly known as Expy, has graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Middlesex University, London.
The graduation ceremony held in June 2025 marked a significant milestone for Ogunniyi. His final dissertation, titled “NYFEW ProjectMakeMe: A Reality TV Show Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s Fashion and Creative Industries,” earned commendation from his academic supervisors and earned him a distinction.
His Supervisor Dr. Stephen Donohoe, described it as “a mind-blowing opportunity, not just for empowerment but as a viable business model.”
Ogunniyi is the founder of Suave Empire & Co. Ltd, and the convener of the Nigerian Youth Fashion and Empowerment Week (NYFEW) #ProjectMakeMe a platform focused on talent discovery, fashion innovation, and youth empowerment.
A native of Tede in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Ogunniyi is a former Young Progressives Party (YPP) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, . He is known for blending creativity with advocacy, and for promoting enterprise-driven solutions to youth unemployment.
Speaking after the convocation, Ogunniyi said the pursuit of the MBA was driven by his desire to deepen his business and leadership skills for broader societal impact.
“I realised how critical business knowledge is to drive economic growth, especially at the state level. This degree is not the destination but the beginning of a bigger purpose,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of his family and most especially his wife, Bolanle Ogunniyi, and close allies throughout the academic journey. He also reaffirmed his commitment to scaling NYFEW ProjectMakeMe into a continental platform for youth development.
Plans are underway to officially launch the project as a pan-African reality show aimed at identifying, training, and funding young talents in the fashion and creative industries.
For partnership or media enquiries, the NYFEW team can be contacted via:
📧 partnership@nyfew.com.ng
Once again, thank you all for your support and love. This is just the beginning and let’s make history together Matthew Ogunniyi concluded.
