The Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI) has inducted 79 new members as Academic Officers at the closing ceremony of its 2025 National Youth Development Scheme (NYDS), held in Lagos.
The ceremony, which also featured certification for participants, attracted notable dignitaries from across the education and development sectors. Chairman of the occasion was Alhaji Abdulateef Atobajaiye, while the Distinguished Special Guest of Honour was Surveyor Idris Yusuf. Other prominent guests included the Father of the Day, Mr. Alade; the Mother of the Day, Alhaja (Dr.) Rahmat Abidemi Adams; and Special Guests of Honour, Dr. Abdurasheed Afolabi and Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Obalola.
Also in attendance were Mr. Abdullah Sulaiman, Team Lead, AEI Annual UTME/WAEC Master Class; Mr. Alabi Qamarudeen, Team Lead, Annual Award and Certification of AEI University Graduates; Miss Rumaitha Adepeju Adegbindin, Team Lead, Scholarship Mentorship Committee; the guest speaker, Mr. Kazeem Lawal; panellists Mr. Bilal AbdulRasheed, Miss Amira Taisu and Mr. Abdulganiy Alao; AEI Project Officer, Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe; NYDS Team Lead, Scholar Hamzah Sirajudeen; AEI officials, parents and aspiring scholars.
Speaking at the event, AEI Project Coordinator, Mr. Segun Ogungbayi, described the organisation as a unique non-governmental organisation committed to youth development through year-round academic and capacity-building programmes. He listed initiatives such as Learning Circles, AEI Forum, guidance and counselling services, WAEC Clinics (virtual and physical), UTME Master Classes, Pre-WAEC and Pre-JAMB programmes, free JAMB form distribution, admission counselling and processing, debate and speech competitions, boot camps, exhibitions, book donations, scholarship seminars and mentorship schemes.
According to him, AEI has impacted thousands of students globally and has honoured several distinguished Nigerians, including the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Lagos State civilian governor; JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Tunji Sarafa Isola, OFR; former WAEC Head of Nigeria, Mr. Olutise Isac; Chief Olusegun Odegbami; and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Dr. Idiat Adebule.
Ogungbayi added that the NYDS, established 23 years ago, has produced thousands of scholars and industry leaders across the world. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly distinctive, featuring new scholarly components such as special book reviews, weekly world-class scholarship application training sessions and spiritual development sessions. He disclosed that 44 of the 79 inductees were assessed as having the capacity to achieve first-class degrees in universities of their choice worldwide.
“I am pleased to announce that 44 of the 79 inductees have demonstrated the potential to challenge global academic standards and achieve outstanding results in their respective universities,” he said.
Delivering a lecture titled “Upholding Greatness: The Art of Building When No One Believes Yet,” guest speaker Mr. Kazeem Lawal urged the new Academic Officers to embrace clear vision, continuous learning, collaboration, mentorship and service to others. He stressed the importance of deliberate problem-solving skills and maintaining positive circles of influence.
In her remarks, the Mother of the Day, Alhaja (Dr.) Rahmat Abidemi Adams, advised the inductees to uphold discipline, integrity and uprightness, following the example of their mentors who are excelling in various fields globally.
Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Obalola, a Special Guest of Honour, congratulated the inductees and emphasised the importance of continuous mentorship throughout their academic journey. She encouraged them to maintain regular contact with their assigned mentors.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulateef Atobajaiye, described the induction as a rare opportunity for the new Academic Officers to “stand on the shoulders of giants” and maximise the support structures provided by AEI in line with the theme of the NYDS closing ceremony.
The event ended on a high note, marking another milestone in AEI’s commitment to academic excellence and youth development in Nigeria and beyond.
