Ugonna Achebe has been appointed as the new executive director of Junior Achievement Nigeria.
The appointment announced by the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement Nigeria aligns with the organisation’s repositioning as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
With the appointment, Achebe with Junior Achievement Nigeria as a participant in the flagship Company Programme becomes the first alumnus to lead the organisation.
He began his journey during his secondary school years in 2007 and later in the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP) in 2017.
Before ViMP, Achebe has been serving as JAN’s volunteer since 2016. His demonstration of leadership qualities swiftly became evident, leading to his full-time engagement as the National Company Programme Manager from 2018 to 2020.
Junior Achievement Nigeria said Achebe’s appointment aligns with its strategic vision for the future as he will provide the strategic direction and leadership needed to drive developmental growth and build on existing successes to further JAN’s mission and vision.
He is expected to lead the execution of JAN’s transformational programmes, maintain existing partnerships, and explore new opportunities to further amplify the impact that JAN offers Nigerian youths.
“I am thrilled to step into my new role at JAN, where I aim to build upon the impressive foundations laid by Simi Nwogugu and Foluso Gbadamosi. Their remarkable efforts have positioned JA Nigeria as a leader in cultivating financially savvy and entrepreneurial thinkers,” Achebe said in reaction to his appointment.
Achebe said that with a focus on advocacy, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement his primary goal is to push the organisation beyond its current limits.
He said he will leverage technology, and build upon the organisation’s current achievements by introducing targeted programmes that address the challenges encountered by young individuals in Nigeria.
“I am dedicated to devising innovative approaches and collaborations that empower youths with practical skills essential for the evolving landscape of work and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Niyi Yusuf, JA Nigeria’s Board Chairman, said Achebe’s appointment is well deserved as his remarkable experience in the development sector, along with his history as an alumnus, volunteer, and former National Programme Manager of JA Nigeria, makes him exceptionally qualified.
According to him, Achebe’s deep familiarity with JA Nigeria and its mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy are invaluable assets for the growth of Junior Achievement and the development of the youth.
Simi Nwogugu, chief executive officer of JA Africa and founding executive director for JA Nigeria, said the appointment of Achebe is a remarkable way for the organisation to celebrate 25 years of inspiring young people to achieve their dreams.
“Achebe should be the person achieving this milestone because he has occupied all other stakeholder roles at the organisation including teacher, volunteer, and staff, which gives him a unique perspective on what the organisation needs to serve all stakeholders effectively,” she said.
Charles Muyiwa Moyela, JA Africa Board Chairman, the organisation is at a pivotal point in the growth of JA across Africa, and Nigeria’s significant population means it will play a crucial role in the continent’s expansion.
He said Achebe’s deep understanding of the community, coupled with his strategic insights, will help amplify JA efforts and scale its programmes to benefit even more youth across the continent.
“We are confident that under his leadership, JA Nigeria will continue to be a cornerstone of our mission, fostering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness among young people in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Achebe holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from Covenant University, and a master’s degree in education leadership, Organisation, and Entrepreneurship from Harvard University, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence in the Education Marketplace.
