Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria

15/05/2026

15/05/2026

10 years ago, on the 7th of May, 2016, 109 young African leaders received life-changing news: they had been selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship.

A decade later, that moment has grown into a powerful legacy of leadership, innovation, service, and transformational impact across Africa and the world.

Today, under the leadership of Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, we are proud to launch a new annual legacy initiative dedicated to celebrating every Mandela Washington Fellowship cohort as they mark 10 years of impact and contribution to society.

We begin by honoring the remarkable Class of 2016.

Over the last decade, members of this cohort have built institutions, influenced policy, launched businesses, strengthened governance, transformed communities, advanced education, empowered young people, and driven innovation across multiple sectors. Their journey reflects the true spirit of visionary African leadership and service.

The 2016 cohort did not simply participate in a fellowship program, they became catalysts for change across Africa and beyond.

As an association, we believe milestones like this deserve to be recognized, documented, and celebrated. This initiative is not just about looking back; it is about inspiring the next generation of African leaders by highlighting what sustained impact and purpose-driven leadership truly look like over time.

Through this annual recognition initiative, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria will continue to spotlight the achievements, contributions, and legacy of Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni who are shaping communities, institutions, and nations.

To the incredible MWF Class of 2016:
Thank you for representing Africa with excellence, courage, innovation, and impact over the last 10 years. Your leadership continues to inspire a generation.

Happy 10 Years of Impact to the MWF 2016 Cohort.

10YearsOfImpact YALI AfricaRising

08/05/2026

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General, officially launched the Future Forward Mentorship Programme at Lagos State Technical College, Agidingbi.

​This high-impact initiative is designed to transform secondary school students into visionary leaders by equipping them with:
​Leadership Capacity & Confidence
​Career Awareness
​Critical Communication Skills
​Future of Work Insights

​From high-energy Communication Labs to Team Problem-Solving Challenges, students were fully immersed in practical learning. A major standout? The Mentorship Circles, where students worked directly with MWFAAN Fellows and mentors from the Lateef Jakande Fellowship to tackle real-world school issues.
​
​The event featured inspiring remarks from Julius Ilori, (President, MWFAAN) Susanne Ogunleye (VP, MWFAAN), Mrs. Betiku (Principal, LASTVEB), and Ms. Ronke Azeez (Executive Secretary, LASTVEB).

The Guest Speaker and Representative from the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos Mr Duncan Brown, reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment in Nigeria.

​The day concluded with smiles as students received backpacks and educational materials, but more importantly, a new roadmap for their futures.

We would like to formally acknowledge and thank the following Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association (MWFAAN) fellows for their invaluable contributions to the success of the Future Forward Event:
​Julius Ilori
​Susanne Ogunleye
​Olufunmi Olaosun
​Omotoke Olugbode
​Emonena Akwara

​Your leadership and support were critical to the ex*****on of this program.

24/04/2026

On March 28th 2026, Zainab Salihijo, a Mandela Washington Fellow 2023, began her journey into painting as a visual artist, culminating in her first public exhibition in Abuja, where she showcased a collection of photographs and an acrylic artwork exploring themes of colour, emotion, and transformation. The exhibition marked a significant milestone in her creative journey, drawing visitors from diverse backgrounds who engaged with the artworks and the stories behind them.

Following the success of the exhibition, Zainab was invited to display her work at a The Ability Life Foundation-led art auction organized with Zainab as a partner. During the auction, one of her acrylic pieces titled Hope (A Jabi Lake inspired painting from a real life photo) was successfully auctioned for ₦130 million, marking a defining moment in her artistic career and demonstrating the growing value and recognition of contemporary African art and storytelling.

This milestone reflects the power of creative expression as a tool for storytelling, cultural engagement, and social impact, while reinforcing Zainab’s commitment to using art as a platform for transformation, empowerment, and community connection.

05/04/2026

Happy Easter to our very Esteemed Christian Community,

As we celebrate the victory of Christ’s resurrection, may you be blessed with the strength to conquer challenges. Wishing you a season of love, national unity, and shared progress.

01/04/2026

To our MWFAAN community and friends, as we enter the month of April, we wish you and your family a season of growth and happiness.

May the weeks ahead be truly remarkable for you all.

31/03/2026

Abuja Art Exhibition Extended Following Record-Breaking Opening Weekend

What began as a two-day showcase of art and advocacy has evolved into a week-long celebration of storytelling and social impact.

The "Change Your Story" Art Exhibition and 1 Million Scarves (1MS) Campaign Showcase, hosted by 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow Zainab Salihijo, has officially been extended for an additional week following an overwhelming surge in visitor turnout and community engagement.

The exhibition, which opened on March 28th, explores the deep intersections of identity and transformation. Beyond the canvas, the event serves as a platform for the 1 Million Scarves initiative, featuring immersive artworks and scarves inspired by the lived experiences of women from partner communities.

The opening day saw over 100 attendees, including representatives from the U.S. Mission Nigeria, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) North Zonal Coordinator, Aisha Bindawa.

Originally slated for two days, the event was first stretched to three days before the decision was made to keep the doors open for another full week to accommodate the growing audience.

Visitors are not only experiencing fine art but are actively participating in social change by purchasing scarves that support grassroots women’s empowerment.

The extension provides a unique window for those who missed the opening weekend to engage with these powerful narratives and support the 1MS movement.

30/03/2026

Celebrating Excellence: A MWFAAN Spotlight

Today, we celebrate a remarkable 2024 Fellow Dr Roberta Edu and the distinguished winner of the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF).

Her unwavering commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and manufacturers has been truly inspiring. Through her work, she continues to provide the tools and mentorship necessary for emerging businesses to scale to enviable heights and achieve sustainable growth.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) proudly celebrates your achievements and identifies with the transformative impact you are making within the ecosystem.

Congratulations on your continued success!

27/03/2026

MWFAAN Champions Industrial Growth at AEIF Manufacturing Seminar in Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria – On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) demonstrated its commitment to national economic development by supporting a high-impact manufacturing seminar hosted by Dr. Roberta Edu.

The event, funded by the Alumni Exchange Innovation Fund (AEIF) and the U.S. Mission Nigeria, took place at the Women Development Center in Agege, Lagos. It brought together over 120 local manufacturers and entrepreneurs for an intensive day of capacity building and strategic networking.

The program was coordinated and moderated by MWFAAN Publicity Secretary James Akan, with support from Iniobong Udoh, a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow. In his goodwill message, the President of the Association, Julius Ilori, commended the initiative, noting that the Fellowship continues to be a catalyst for grassroots transformation and industrial innovation in Nigeria.

The seminar featured a robust curriculum designed to help small-scale producers meet international standards. The sessions were led by a distinguished panel of industry experts and Fellowship alumni:
Saifullah Maishanu, representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), provided critical clarity on the regulatory hurdles facing MSMEs.

Toyin Olufon empowered attendees with practical tools for bookkeeping, tax compliance, and leveraging technology for business expansion.

The host, Dr. Roberta Edu, delivered a powerful capstone session titled "From Kitchen to Global Brand," focusing on the mindset shift required for small manufacturers to transition from local production to bold, quality-driven global marketing.
Driving the "Made in Nigeria" Agenda

The success of the AEIF event underscores the vital role MWFAAN members play in driving the "Made in Nigeria" agenda through education and collaborative innovation. Participants left the session equipped with the necessary insights to scale their businesses and compete on a global stage.

20/03/2026

Celebrating the Spirit of Eid

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim colleagues, partners, and the entire Muslim community!

As the crescent moon marks the end of this holy season, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) joins you in celebration. We honor the values of sacrifice, devotion, and community that define this period.

May this Eid bring an abundance of peace, lasting happiness, and divine blessings to your homes.

Let us carry forward the spirit of unity and compassion as we continue to work together for a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.

Wishing you a joyous and peaceful celebration!
❤️

19/03/2026

MWFAAN was proudly represented as our President delivered the Guest of Honour address at the 10th National Launch of the Ume Healing Circle Model, alongside the unveiling of the Olamma Cares 10-Year Impact Report.

This milestone event spotlighted a decade of transformative work in the mental health space across Nigeria — driving awareness, support systems, and community-based healing initiatives.

We celebrate Mrs. Chioma Fakorede, 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and Founder of Olamma Cares, for her outstanding leadership, resilience, and impact. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers committed to advancing mental health advocacy and support across the country.