Kerux Academic Initiative Hosts Over 130 Youths, Teenagers in 2024 Orientation for New Students

Kerux Academic Initiative is a nonprofit mentorship organization committed to mentoring young adults academically and professionally in leadership, entrepreneurship and management. KAI believes education remains a timely, strategic and powerful weapon which we can use to change our world. This has driven the leadership of KAI to contribute maximally to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) on Quality Education for all. 

In the last three (3) years, KAI has mentored over 2000 young adults - many of whom are pursuing their educational dreams at prestigious universities within Nigeria while others are venturing into businesses with knowledge, skills and expertise from KAI. 

At the 2024 KAI Orientation Programme, the Dean of Students' Affairs at the Delta State College of Education Mosogar (Nigeria) spoke to the new cohort of KAI Mentees on: Secrets to Excelling in your Academic Career. This was a remarkable teaching from the College's Dean of Students' Affairs as he gave the young adults tested and proven principles for excelling in their studies. 

A U.S. Professional and friend of KAI also spoke virtually on Zoom, mentoring the teenagers on the place of hard work and absolute trust in God in excelling academically and spiritually. The Founder and Executive Director of KAI, Mr Godspower Oyubu is a Mandela Washington Fellow and Lecturer at Delta State College of Education Mosogar. Godspower was recently selected by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Body under the U.S. Department of State as one of the 300 young African Leaders to be part of the membership of the International Leadership Association (ILA) for 2024. The International Leadership Association is the professional home of a global community of leaders and leadership researchers, educators, and development specialists who believe that leadership is the key to a just and thriving future for all people. For 25 years, the ILA has advanced the study and practice of leadership by creating opportunities for members to connect and engage with one another to explore innovative ideas, create new resources, and multiply our collective impact. During his keynote address at the Orientation Programme, Mr Godspower reiterated on the visions and mission of KAI and the significance of collaboration as a tool to achieving these visions. He encouraged new Mentees to be passionate and inquisitive. He described KAI as a citadel of transformational leadership and holistic mentorship. He made it clear that everyone has a place in KAI irrespective of backgrounds, tribes or religious beliefs. KAI is committed to building a more peaceful, inclusive and equitable world for generations to come! Godspower believes everyone has a role to place in birthing the Nation and Continent of our dream! "We can achieve great things together! We can be successful without getting involved in cyber crimes he said." Godspower concluded his address by reminding the teenagers of the educational and leadership Seminar planned for the month of April 2024. This will attract over 500 young adults from within Nigeria and also feature thought leaders within Nigeria, the U.S and the U.K who are friends of KAI. He encouraged everyone to start making preparations towards the upcoming events. 

KAI Operation Get Back To School Project 

According to UNICEF (2023), Nigeria accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide. Goal four (4) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting life-long learning opportunities for all. However, in low and middle-income countries, like Nigeria, many children do not have access to quality education.

In Mosogar community, 9 of every 10 teenage boys are into cyber crime, 7 of such are into hard drugs and over 60% of young adults are out of school.

Education must fully assume its central role in giving all children the tools to develop to their full potential, so they become productive adults ready to give back to their communities and break the cycle of poverty through upward socioeconomic mobility.

To curb the challenges confronting students and other young adults in my home community and help them return to school, KAI carried out a project tagged "Operation Get Back To School" targeted at helping 200 youths and teenagers within Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State (Nigeria) from humble backgrounds return to College. The project involved providing free JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculation Board) registration fee for the students and helping to pay for tuition fee for those with outstanding performance after the Jamb examination.

Godspower Oyubu Hosts Over 250 Nigerian Youths/Teenagers at Kerux Academic Institute (KAI) Leadership Seminar

Upon his return from the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship Program for Young African Leaders, Godspower Oyubu hosted an International Leadership Seminar for young adults in Nigeria. This Leadership Seminar featured three (3) key note speakers; Reed (Harvard), Olivia and Ketty (Kansas State University), all in U.S.A. The Theme for the Leadership Seminar was: Building The Nigeria We Want Through Transformational Leadership. 

Reed spoke on: Your Role in Community and Nation Building. This session inspired many young adults to see themselves as key players in building the communities of their dream.

During his speech at the Seminar, Godspower encouraged every young adult present to take practical steps based on what they are learning at the Leadership Seminar and create positive changes in their world and respective communities. He made references to his meeting with the King of Mosogar Kingdom, College Provost and Principal Officers as well as his virtual meeting with the Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State emphasizing his willingness to collaborate with the above mentioned personalities and other networks outside Nigeria in strengthening the educational system in Mosogar community and within Delta State. Godspower also made reference to his Ignite Talk Speech at Kansas State University's Staley School of Leadership Studies and encouraged every attendee at the Seminar to download or watch on YouTube. Here is the link to the Ignite Talk: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kiqulb5HJOU&feature=shared

KAI VISION FOR 2024

1. Operation Get Back to School: This is targeted at providing funding for University Entrance Examinations (JAMB) for at least 100 teenagers from humble background. KAI looks forward to partnering with individuals, businesses and NGOs in achieving this goal.

2. Free Computer Training for at least 500 teenagers/youths in Mosogar Kingdom! KAI is also opened for partnership.

"Together, we can collaborate and strengthen the educational system in Nigeria. Remember, Nelson Mandela once said: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world" - Godspower Oyubu

Godspower Oyubu Special Visits Upon Return from 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Upon his return from the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Program for Young African Leaders, Godspower paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the King of his home Community (Mosogar). He shared with His Royal Majesty details about the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program, his experience in the United States and possible rooms for collaboration with his new networks from the Fellowship to empower young adults in the community and also improve the educational system within the community. 

Godspower and the King of Mosogar Kingdom

One of the visions of Godspower for youths in the community is to provide quality mentorship on digital skills via his Mentorship Program, Kerux Academic Institute (KAI). This will provide free training for teenagers on digital skills and connect trained teenagers to remote job opportunities.

Godspower and the U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens

The King, who was super excited and proud of the achievement of Godspower offered special prayers for him assuring Godspower of his support for the vision for youths and teenagers in Mosogar community. Present with the King during the time of this visit were two notable Political Leaders in the community: the former Commissioner for Environment in Delta State and the PDP Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area. Both Political Leaders applauded the vision of Godspower and promised to give their supports to ensure young adults within the community are empowered.

U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens and 2023 Mandela Washington Fellows at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Godspower at U.S. Consul General's Residence at Ikoyi, Lagos

Godspower, who works as a Lecturer at the prestigious Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, was also received and welcomed back to work by the Provost of the College, Dr Israel Imide as well as other Principal Officers of the College. Godspower also shared his Fellowship experience with the College Principal Officers, proposing a Leadership Seminar which would be held for young adults within the College community and host community featuring Professionals from the United States and other African countries. He also shared with the Provost possible ways to partner and collaborate with his host University in the U.S.A. (Kansas State University) to expose the College students to mentorship and opportunities abroad after their program in the College. This he proposed could also enhance and build a cordial relationship between the College and the U.S. University which could facilitate future collaborations. The Provost thanked Godspower for making the College proud and prayed for greater achievements for him.

Visit to I.C.E School, Mosogar

Picture with Uduaka Secondary School Staff during visit

Uduaka Secondary School students gifted with copies of Godspower's book

Godspower and all 57 Mandela Washington Fellows for the 2023 Cohorts were also welcomed back to Nigeria by the U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens at the Reunion Conference hosted by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN). The Consul General encouraged all 57 Fellows to do greater works for their communities and Nation, building on their skills and connections from the highly esteemed Mandela Washington Fellowship Program.

Godspower addressing students at Uduaka Secondary School during visit

Godspower addressing students at Demonstration Secondary School, Mosogar.

In preparation for the Post Fellowship Leadership Seminar organized by Kerux Academic Institute (KAI) for young adults in Mosogar, Godspower visited Secondary Schools within Mosogar, encouraging teenagers to be hardworking and aim for the best in their education. He gave out free copies of his published book to some students and teachers and invited them for the Leadership Seminar. Godspower addressed over 1000 students in the schools visited and gave out over 70 copies of his book free of charge.

Godspower inviting teenagers to Leadership Seminar organized by KAI

Godspower also had an online meeting with the Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari where he shared his Mandela Washington Fellowship experience and informed the Honorable Commissioner of his vision for the College students and youths/teenagers in his home community. The Commissioner promised to attend subsequent Seminars and also encourage Godspower to keep impacting the youths in Delta State.

Oyubu: The Journey from Mosogar to The World (Mandela Washington Fellowship Experience)

Godspower Evuarherhe Oyubu, a young Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Science at the prestigious Delta State College of Education Mosogar, Nigeria has won the race out of over 75,000 applicants from 49 Sub Saharan African Countries and over 10,000 applicants from Nigeria to appear as one (1) of fifty seven (57) candidates selected from Nigeria and 1 of 700 selected from Africa to represent Nigeria and the Continent in the 2023 Cohort of the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship For Young African Leaders. 

This prestigious Fellowship is one of the most competitive Fellowships in the World. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was created in 2010 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020. 

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5,800 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.

During the 2023 Cohort of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Experience which took place between 22nd June-3rd August, 2023, for the Leadership Institute, Godspower was placed at the Staley School of Leadership Studies, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA where he received a robost training, mentorship and networking sessions with   Academic, Business and NGOs Founders within the United States as well as other Young African Leaders from 23 Sub Saharan African Countries. The Fellowship also availed the opportunity to visit top NGOs within Kansas State, Historical Sites and Kansas State Capitol Building where the Fellows at Kansas State University received a warm welcome from the Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly. 

The 2023 Cohort of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program ended with a life changing Summit gathering all 700 Fellows from 49 Sub Saharan African Countries at Washington, D.C. The participants had very strategic networking sessions with Fellows, U.S Government Officials and were also privileged to receive a powerful speech from the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken as well as an amazing congratulatory letter address to all Fellows from the U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris."

They also had the opportunity to visit the White House, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial at Washington, D.C.

Godspower's work at Kerux Academic Institute (KAI) can be summarized below: 

1. Vision

Mentoring youths academically and professionally to become the next generation of African and Global Leaders

2. Mission Statement

Transforming the Minds and Empowering the Hands of youths via Digital and Technical Skills to curb Youth Restiveness and prevalence of crime amongst the African  Youth Community.

To achieve the above vision at KAI, with the knowledge, skills and expertise Godspower received from the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship, he's working on a project to provide quality education on digital and technical skills via in person and virtual training where students, youths and teenagers within and outside his home community can participate. 

 

Read: Biography of Abayomi Adeola Della

These training sessions will be handled by experts and top minds in business, leadership, digital and technical skills - most of whom are past Fellows of the Fellowship, while others are Institute Mentors and other American Networks.

Godspower is also open and willing to provide mentorship to applicants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Applicants seeking for guidance can reach Godspower via email at [email protected]

To know more about the Fellowship, follow Godspower on his official Facebook page @ Oyubu Godspower

Recounting his experience, Mr Godspower mentioned that the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders left an indelible mark in his life. He also believes that every Young African Leader looking forward to making tangible change in his community needs to experience this prestigious Fellowship. In his words, "the MWF is a Life-Changer which has thoroughly sharpened my thoughts on Leadership, connected me to incredible people and made me believe that we need transformed Africans to transform Africa."

God Bless The US Government for the unwavering commitment to empowering Young African Leaders

God bless the US Department of State for her Indefatigable Efforts

God bless President Barrack Obama for this life changing Initiative

God bless President Joe Biden for his commitment to the African Continent

God bless IREX for the Incredible work in organizing the Fellowship

God bless all Institute Partners especially my Host Institute, Kansas State University, Staley School of Leadership Studies (The WildCat Family), for hosting us during the summer of 2023.