… As Students Shine at NGO’s Annual Award and Scholars Day
Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Tunji Sarafa Isola, has been named the recipient of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI) 2025 Global Education Excellence Award.
The prestigious award was conferred during AEI’s Annual Award and Scholars Day event held in Lagos on Saturday. The award celebrates individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to education and national development.
Previous recipients of the award include the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, first civilian governor of Lagos State (2016); Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB (2018); Mr. Olutise Isaac Adenipekun, former WAEC Nigeria Head (2018); and Dr. Olusegun Odegbami MON, founder of the International Sports Academy (2018).
Each year, AEI organizes the Awards/Scholars Day to celebrate academic excellence and inspire youth through competitions and honor distinguished personalities in the society. The 2025 edition featured a national virtual competition, drawing 197 students from across Nigeria.
In the academic contest, Adekunle Aliyah of Anchor Springfield School clinched the first prize with a cash reward of ₦150,000. She was followed by Munachi Emmanuella of Orisumibare Senior High School in second place (₦100,000) and Muhammad Beyioku of Minbar Mind College in third place (₦75,000).
Additional cash prize winners included Ombolanle Akanji (Dansol High School) – 4th place; Daniel Adeh (Dansol High School) – 5th place; Maryam Sideeqah Muyili (Minbar Minds College) – 6th place. Each received ₦25,000 in recognition of their performance.
Two professionals were also honored with the AEI Humanitarian Educator Award 2025; Dr. Nasir Baba Ahmed, Senior Cybersecurity Consultant, Expleo Group, France and Mr. Tunde Aborode, Research Director, Healthy Africans Platform (Ibadan & Florida International University, USA)
The event featured an array of distinguished personalities, including; HRM Oba (Dr.) Adeyanju Akanni Ogungbayi, Onitetiku of Owode Ota Awori Kingdom (Royal Father of the Day); Chief Taiwo Fagbemi, former Ogun State Energy Adviser (Chairman of the Occasion); Dr. Chief Olusegun Odegbami, former football star and sports promoter; Prince Michael Adewoye, Director, Racy and Sturdy Institute (Special Guest of Honour); Engr. Faheed Olajide, AEI Executive Director (Chief Host), and Prince Adesegun Ogungbayi, AEI Project Coordinator
Delivering a keynote lecture on the theme “Attaining the UTOPIA – Redefining Academic Excellence in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” Mr. Tunde Aborode emphasized the transformative power of AI in shaping the future of learning and innovation.
Speaking at the event, AEI Executive Director Engr. Faheed Olajide reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering Nigerian students.
“We are dedicated to the sponsorship of education and the promotion of intellectual pursuits. Our programs, including subject clinics, quiz competitions, seminars, and preparatory exams, aim to nurture students with exceptional academic performance and moral uprightness.”
Chief Taiwo Fagbemi, Chairman of the Occasion, lauded AEI’s efforts, particularly in uplifting students from public schools. He encouraged stakeholders to support the initiative in shaping Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
Prince Michael Adewoye, Special Guest of Honour and host of AEI’s first-ever award/scholars day, pledged continued support for the organization’s mission of reaching underserved students nationwide.
