AYVDi’s Founder, Ahmed Adebowale, shines bright at Lagos Business School, bags Double Certificate, Group Award at NPLM Graduation

Ahmed Adebowale, Founder of Advocacy for Youth and Vulnerable Development Initiative (AYVDi) and Programmes Lead at the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has graduated from the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, completing the highly competitive Nonprofit Leadership and Management Programme (NPLM).

What began as a single goal to attain an NPLM certificate transformed into a double achievement — two certificates and a group award — marking a significant milestone in Ahmed’s career as a development practitioner.

“Went to LBS for a single NPLM certificate — I graduated with two!” Ahmed wrote in a celebratory post that captured the spirit of his remarkable journey. The 9-week intensive programme exposed him to world-class insights in feminist leadership, nonprofit finance and taxation, and strategic NGO management, guided by some of Africa’s leading faculty in nonprofit leadership.

But the highlight of the journey came during the capstone project presentation, where Group 5, Ahmed’s team, was named “Most Outstanding Group Capstone Project Presentation” for their innovative and scalable strategic management and consultancy plan designed for Kids Nurture Initiative, a nonprofit organization.

Ahmed attributed his success to divine grace, mentorship, and institutional support. He expressed deep gratitude to his mentor and BBYDI Global Director, Olasupo Abideen, for not only encouraging him to apply but also ensuring financial support for the programme’s subsidized commitment fee.

The NPLM programme is designed by Lagos Business School to equip nonprofit leaders with tools and knowledge to effectively manage social change organizations. It remains one of the continent’s top executive education programmes for civil society professionals.

Ahmed’s graduation further solidifies his track record in the development sector, having led various initiatives that have impacted thousands of children, youth, and marginalized groups in underserved communities.

As he continues his advocacy and leadership journey, Ahmed remains focused on the bigger picture:

“This is a means to an end — not an end in itself. The journey just began.”

About Ahmed Adebowale

Ahmed Adebowale is the Founder of Advocacy for Youth and Vulnerable Development Initiative (AYVDi) and serves as Programmes Lead at Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI). He is a development practitioner passionate about education, digital rights, and youth empowerment. His leadership has impacted over 15,000 young people across Kwara State and beyond.