The Teens Evolution Conference 2.0 was held in Mowe, Ogun State, on Thursday, with speakers urging pupils to reject the “school is a scam” narrative and embrace learning as a tool for empowerment.
According to the convener and head of Bimpe Olubola Akinteye Foundation, Mrs Bola Akinteye, the conference aimed to push back the belief that formal education has lost its value.
The event, themed “Building Human Capacity,” convened secondary school pupils and young adults from across the state.
Speaking, Akinteye, said the initiative aimed to reshape perceptions around education and personal development.
Drawing from her experience growing up, Akinteye added that the foundation was created to help teenagers and youths develop themselves and use their time productively.
Akinteye said, “School is not a scam. I always tell people, especially the youths, to invest in knowledge and seek more because nothing you learn in school is a waste.”
She further urged the participants to set clear goals and keep the right company.
“Building a tactical team is key because your network determines your net worth,” she said.
“Choose people who can be your goalkeepers, defenders, strikers and midfielders, people who push you toward your goals.”
Also speaking, one of the event coordinators, Ebele Akinteye, described the conference as a movement designed to help youths discover themselves and manage their time purposefully.
“School is not a scam — it’s important to be both book and street smart,” she added.
Co-founder of the foundation, Tolulope Olugbenga, said seven teenagers received support for their 2026 UTME registration, while others got awards and national competition slots in recognition of merit and commitment.
“The certificates given to speakers and students are to show appreciation and encourage community building,” he noted.
The conference featured keynote speeches, interactive sessions and recognition awards geared towards empowering teenagers aged between 13 and 21.
Keynote speaker, Mr Ajani Adeniyi, who spoke on “Becoming the Future You Want to Be: Building Capacity Beyond the Class,” stressed that success requires more than academic knowledge.
“Building capacity involves developing soft skills, pursuing passion and interests, and seeking mentorship and role models,” he noted.
Another speaker at the event, Mrs Temitope Seweje, advised the students to make positive choices despite peer pressure, especially in politics.
Seweje said, “Politics is a game and it has both good and bad sides, but you choose the part you want to go for.
“We need more people with a positive mindset to change the narrative in politics.”
Participants, including Head Boy of Community High School, Adesan, Udo Joshua, said the programme reshaped their view on leadership and learning.
“My expectations for this programme have been met. I have gained knowledge that reshaped my thinking as a student and as a teenager,” he said.
Similarly, Oluwaseyi Jesudetan of Leadership Cornerstone College said it strengthened her resolve to embrace education.
“I’ve learned that I can face my fears regardless of what is happening. Education is not a scam but a stage where we learn things that even the world can’t teach us,” she said.
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