Events & Milestones
Here we bring you up to date with all that we've been up to since AEF's inception in April 2023 and give a preview of our upcoming events and additional offerings.
A Timeline of Impact
From our founding in 2023 to today — every step, event, and milestone that has shaped the ASPIRE Foundation story.
🎉 Foundation Inception & First Cohort Induction
On the 1st of April 2023, we welcomed and inducted our first cohort of ASPIRE beneficiaries across our three supported categories — comprising 10 secondary school students, 10 University undergraduates, and 12 vocational education trainees. First-year scholarship award cheques were presented to all beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous process identifying bright and promising students who, due to financial constraints, may otherwise have been unable to complete their education.
🎓 First Enhance Seminar — Professional Development
On the 19th of August 2023, we held our inaugural Enhance event for tertiary institution students in Calabar, Cross River State. Around 40 students from various institutions attended the all-day event, which featured a keynote talk on 'Professional Development' by guest speaker Mr. Yegwa Ukpo, Group CEO of TSI Holdings Ltd.
Students then participated in team-based project exercises, presenting findings to peers and receiving structured feedback from a panel of Assessors.
🏛️ Nu-Gen Museum Excursion Trip
Under our Nu-Gen programme, we took the entire cohort of secondary school beneficiaries on an excursion to the Old Residency Museum in Calabar — the first administrative capital of present-day Nigeria. The full-day trip gave beneficiaries a rare opportunity to explore Nigeria's early colonial history, and to 'meet' prominent Nigerian kings, queens, and their relationships with colonial forces and early Christian missionaries.
Following the trip, each beneficiary wrote an essay capturing their takeaways, which were reviewed by Foundation staff with personalised feedback provided to each student.
🎤 Public Speaking Coaching Sessions
Between April and May 2024, our secondary school beneficiaries were taken through a dedicated series of coaching sessions on public speaking — an essential life skill aimed at building their confidence and communication abilities as part of our Nu-Gen programme.
💼 Second Enhance Seminar — Entrepreneurial Development
In August 2024 we held the second edition of our Enhance Seminar in Calabar, focused on entrepreneurial development. The event featured a keynote talk on 'Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset' by Mr. Kenneth Asim Ittah, Executive Secretary of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA).
Beneficiaries delivered individual business proposal presentations, followed by a team-based 'Apprentice'-style exercise, where groups developed full business proposals and pitched to a panel of judges who provided critical feedback.
🏆 1st STEM Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools
We held the inaugural edition of our STEM-based Quiz Competition for secondary schools. Beginning in November 2024, the two-stage competition concluded with the grand final in February 2025, covering secondary schools across 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State.
A total of 15 secondary schools competed, with Community Secondary School, Ugep emerging as the winner of the first edition. Congratulations!
💬 Beneficiary Engagement & Counselling Sessions
In May 2025 we held our first formal beneficiary engagement and counselling sessions with both our secondary school and tertiary institution beneficiaries. These sessions gave us the opportunity to evaluate academic performance, discuss challenges and aspirations, and offer guidance rooted in the ASPIRE core values — values we believe are indispensable to achieving success in any endeavour.
🏆 2nd STEM Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools
We held the second edition of our STEM-based Quiz Competition for secondary schools. Beginning in October 2025, the two-stage competition concluded with the grand final in January 2026, covering secondary schools across 6 local government in the Old Ikom and Obubra divisions in the central senetorial district of cross river state —Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, and Yakurr—progressed from the quarterfinals through the semifinals to the grand finale.
A total of 30 secondary schools competed, with Enoghi Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikom emerging as the winner of the second edition. Congratulations!
Inaugural Beneficiary Induction & Scholarship Awards
1st of April 2023
ENHANCE Seminar for Tertiary Institutions
19th of August 2023
Excursion Trip for Secondary School Beneficiaries
October 2023
Public Speaking Coaching Sessions
Between April - May 2024
Enhance Seminar #2 for Tertiary Institutions
August 2024
Beneficiary Engagement & Counselling Sessions
May 2025
STEM-based Quiz (first edition) Competition for Secondary Schools
First in November 2024 and concluding with the final in February 2025
STEM-based Quiz (second edition) Competition for Secondary Schools
First in October 2025 and concluding with the final in January 2026
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned — exciting programmes and competitions are already in the pipeline
3rd Edition — STEM Quiz Competition
The third edition of our STEM-based Quiz Competition series for secondary schools is already underway. Watch this space for all the details, results, and photos as the competition unfolds.
Enhance Seminar — 3rd Edition
Building on the success of our previous editions, the 3rd Enhance Seminar will continue to equip young graduates and undergraduates with professional and entrepreneurial skills for the real world.
Essay & Debate Competitions
As part of the Nu-Gen programme expansion, we are planning essay-writing and debate competitions for secondary school students — developing critical thinking and communication skills across the region.
Vocational Trade Test Completions
Our first cohort of vocational trainees are at various stages of their apprenticeship programmes. We look forward to celebrating each trainee's achievement of their Trade Test certificate upon completion.
Key Achievements
Highlights of what the ASPIRE Foundation has accomplished since inception
First Cohort Inducted
32 beneficiaries across secondary school, tertiary institution, and vocational training categories welcomed in April 2023 with scholarship award cheques.
Two Enhance Seminars Delivered
Professional development and entrepreneurial mindset seminars held in Calabar, featuring industry leaders and interactive team challenges.
Museum Excursion & Essay Writing
Secondary school beneficiaries explored Nigeria's colonial history at the Old Residency Museum, enriching their understanding beyond the classroom curriculum.
First STEM Quiz Champion
Community Secondary School, Ugep crowned winners of the inaugural STEM Quiz Competition after 15 schools competed across 3 LGAs in Cross River State.
Beneficiary Counselling Launched
Structured engagement and counselling sessions introduced in 2025 to guide beneficiaries in their academic journey and reinforce ASPIRE core values.
Vocational Apprenticeships Ongoing
First cohort of vocational trainees actively progressing through apprenticeships in trades including welding, auto repairs, plumbing, carpentry, and fashion design.