Julius Ilori, a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and advocate for youth development, inclusive education, and governance, has emerged as the 12th President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN).
His election marks a significant milestone for one of Africa’s largest and most influential U.S. exchange alumni networks, representing over 1,200 professionals committed to advancing development across the continent.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, an initiative of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) launched by former U.S. President Barack Obama, empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities in the United States. MWFAAN serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s alumni network, fostering collaboration and delivering impactful programs in governance, entrepreneurship, and education.
In his acceptance speech, Ilori emphasized inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation as the pillars of his presidency.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a network of changemakers dedicated to driving positive transformation in our communities. Together, we will strengthen MWFAAN, amplify our impact, and deepen the ties between Nigeria and the United States,” Ilori said.
With a career spanning youth advocacy, project management, and education reform, Ilori brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been at the forefront of initiatives that support inclusive education, including the renovation of classrooms for special needs students and equipping teachers with technology-driven tools to enhance learning outcomes. His leadership has garnered recognition from the Lagos State Government, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, and various international organizations.
As President, Ilori plans to prioritise expansion of MWFAAN’s reach and impact through strategic partnerships, build capacity among alumni to implement innovative and scalable community programs and promote youth leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges in education, governance, and entrepreneurship.
MWFAAN has consistently demonstrated its ability to drive development and foster global connections. Under Ilori’s leadership, the association is expected to deepen its role as a catalyst for social and economic transformation, leveraging the collective expertise of its members to address national and regional challenges.