An organisation, Teen Guide Initiative, has introduced the Stimulating Education, Accountability and Leadership (SEAL) project to address the leadership and educational challenges facing public secondary school students in Nigeria.

The SEAL project, unveiled yesterday in Lagos, focuses on recognising and rewarding excellence among the students in academic performance, good behaviour, positive leadership and peer influence.

The project is in light of the decline in academic excellence in schools, as reflected in this year’s poor performance at the National Examinations Council (NECO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results.

Executive Director of Teen Guide Initiative, Kemi Olowojolu, who spoke at the event, which also witnessed the award of certificates of academic excellence to students of over 13 public schools in Lagos, emphasised the need to develop the next generation of leaders and empower adolescents across the country.

Olowojolu said that the organisation hopes to motivate other students and create a ripple effect of positive change within Nigeria’s struggling education system.She said that despite the decline in academic performance as reported in WAEC and NECO examinations, some students still managed to excel.

The executive director said the organisation had been approved to work with 13 secondary schools across the Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki local councils to continue its five-year engagement in these communities.

Olowojolu said the project could boast of success stories with several young leaders who were mentored through Teen Guide now making an impact in their local communities and returning to their schools to provide mentorship.

She, therefore, called on individuals and organisations to support the cause by sponsoring prize-giving days in public schools, as the absence of consistent recognition for student achievements remains a critical issue in the Nigerian education system. Olowojolu believes that through such efforts, more students will be inspired to aim for academic excellence.

The Vice Principal of Falomo Senior High School, Amen Ebesunun, lauded the SEAL project for its contribution to improving academic performance among students.

She said the project aims to enhance students’ learning experiences. The Lead Pastor of City Church, Lagos, Dr Olufemi Osunnuyi, said the initiative underscores the growing recognition among faith-based organisations on the need to provide mentorship and guidance to youths, ensuring they are equipped to take on leadership roles in the future.