NESA-Africa 2025: Our Distinguished Judges Panel
Meet the elite panel of accomplished judges — thought leaders, educators, innovators, media professionals, NGO executives, CSR advocates, and public servants — collectively shaping the future of African education. These distinguished professionals serve as the gatekeepers of Africa's most prestigious educational recognition system.
About Our Judges – NESA-Africa 2025
Welcome to the Council of Excellence
At the heart of the NESA-Africa 2025 Awards lies an elite panel of accomplished judges — thought leaders, educators, innovators, media professionals, NGO executives, CSR advocates, and public servants — collectively shaping the future of African education. These individuals are the gatekeepers of the continent’s most prestigious educational recognition system.
Our judging model prioritizes transparency, multi-level evaluation, and excellence. Judges are assigned specific award categories and participate in rigorous nomination screening, verification, public voting oversight, and final selection of honorees.
Who Are the Judges?
NESA-Africa Judges are respected professionals from:
🎓 Academic institutions and research bodies
🏛️ Education ministries and development agencies
🌍 International NGOs, CSR teams, and multilateral partners
📱 The diaspora, media, innovation, and youth advocacy spaces
Judging Responsibilities
Judges are entrusted with:
Reviewing shortlisted nominees per category or subcategory
Scoring entries using transparent criteria
Participating in evaluation panels (in-person or virtual)
Collaborating with ambassadors, volunteers, and BOA members
Signing off on final award decisions (in part or full, depending on category)
Four Entry Paths to Become a Judge
Individual Expert
Independent professionals applying personally based on their expertise and experience in education or related fields.
Partner Organization
Representatives nominated by partner organizations, NGOs, or educational institutions as part of their commitment to educational excellence.
Sponsor-Backed Judge
Professionals provided by official sponsors as part of their CSR engagement and commitment to African education development.
Strategic Partner Institution
Experts from strategic partner institutions, government agencies, or international development organizations.
Voting Composition & Weights
The NESA-Africa evaluation system ensures balanced and comprehensive assessment through weighted voting:
Judges Panel
Expert evaluation by certified NESA-Africa judges
Public Voting
Community engagement through transparent public voting
BOA Decision
Board of Advisors final assessment and validation
Benefits of Serving as a Judge
- 1-Year Free Ambassador Status:
All approved judges receive an honorary NESA-Africa Ambassador Certificate and membership valued at $250, with only $50 administrative contribution.
- International Recognition:
Be profiled on the official website, receive digital badges, and attend exclusive NESA events.
- VIP Networking:
Connect with policymakers, philanthropists, innovators, and education advocates across Africa and the Diaspora.
- Thought Leadership:
Participate in webinars, panels, and content features during the EduAid Africa Expo and Award Week (Oct 13–17, 2025).
Five Key Evaluation Criteria
All nominations are evaluated using these five comprehensive criteria:
1. Impact & Results
Measurable outcomes and positive changes achieved in education or related fields.
2. Innovation & Creativity
Novel approaches, creative solutions, and pioneering methods in educational practice.
3. Leadership & Influence
Demonstrated leadership capabilities and positive influence on others in the education sector.
4. Sustainability & Scalability
Long-term viability and potential for replication or expansion of educational initiatives.
5. Community Engagement
Active involvement with and positive impact on local communities and stakeholders.
Ethics & Integrity Requirements
All judges must commit to:
Neutrality and Fairness: Maintain impartiality in all judging activities
Conflict Abstention: Abstain from voting in categories where personal or professional conflicts exist
Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of all judging materials and discussions
SCEF Compliance: Operate under SCEF compliance bylaws and integrity standards
Professional Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics
What We Look For in Judges
Academic & Professional Excellence
Advanced degrees, leadership roles, published research, or recognized expertise in education, policy, innovation, or related fields.
Pan-African Perspective
Understanding of African educational challenges, cultural contexts, and development priorities across the continent and diaspora.
Integrity & Objectivity
Commitment to fair, unbiased evaluation and adherence to ethical standards in all judging activities.
Collaborative Spirit
Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and contribute constructively to panel discussions and decisions.
Our Esteemed Judges (Select Profiles)
Mr. Benneth Osarieme Ogbeiwi
Music & Arts Educator
With over two decades of excellence in arts education, Benneth is known for his commanding leadership and high-performance standards.
Dr. Juliet Ihiabe
Public Health & Community Mobilization
Championing access to education through health interventions, especially for women and children in underserved areas.
Damilola Omotosho
HSEQ Implementation & ESG Consultant
Sustainability advocate and Cambridge-certified professional influencing energy transition literacy and corporate ESG frameworks in Africa.
Paul Kayode Joash
Transformation Coach & Media Strategist
A prolific speaker and founder of MyDoubleDouble, Paul bridges education with performance coaching and motivation across continents.
Oluwadaisi Patricia Aderibigbe Santos
Veteran Educationalist
A trailblazer in women-led educational reform and a pillar of early childhood learning advocacy across Nigeria.
Judges Composition & Role Breakdown
Join the Judging Council
We welcome professionals, CSR leads, education experts, and global partners to apply or nominate judges for the NESA-Africa 2025 Awards.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS & NOMINATIONS:
Join the Prestigious NESA Africa 2025 Judging Panel!
The NESA-Africa 2025 Awards invite distinguished professionals, educators, policymakers, corporate leaders, and education advocates to join our prestigious judging panel through four official entry paths.
Four Ways to Become a Judge:
1. Official Invitation
Handpicked by the Board of Advisors or CVO due to past impact and sector expertise.
2. Institutional Nomination
Endorsed by registered NESA-Africa partners, chapters, universities, or agencies.
3. Direct Application
Qualified professionals and education experts apply directly via our online portal.
4. Ambassador Upgrade
Active volunteers or board members promoted after internal recommendation and training.
This is an opportunity to contribute to shaping Africa's educational excellence, while being recognized as a NESA Africa Ambassador with exclusive access to networking opportunities, VIP events, and leadership recognition.
Judging is a volunteer activity, but corporate sponsors can nominate company representatives as part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) engagement in education.
Why Apply or Nominate a Judge?
Earn Recognition
Gain the prestigious NESA Africa Ambassador status and stand out as a leader across Africa.
Elite Networking
Connect with Africa's top education, business, and policy leaders to build meaningful relationships.
Exclusive Access
Enjoy VIP access and privileges at the EduAid Africa Expo, awards ceremony, and fundraising gala.
Drive Impact
Play a key role in honoring and supporting Africa's education change-makers.
Who We Are Looking For
Interested in Applying or Nominating a Judge?
Click the applicable link below or email Your CV & Interest Letter to [email protected]
Application Deadline: [Insert Deadline]
Meet Our Current Judges
Get to know the NESA Africa/Nigeria Judges, their background, and achievements
Mr Benneth Osarieme Ogbeiwi
Textured, Opinionated and Professional.
About:
A highly motivated individual with over two decades of experience: sharing knowledge in music & the arts, benneth ogbeiwi's doggedness makes it impossible for individuals to deviate from the cause. He has been constantly told that he is very imposing in getting the job done: "I enjoy this privilege, which has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with my associates to achieve set goals"
View Full Profile >
Damilola Omotosho
Yeelen Education Project
Achievements:
Aminah's dedication to improving rural education, particularly for girls, demonstrates a significant impact on her community. An innovative mobile library system and successful partnership with the government showcase her ability to create sustainable change. She also partnered with the Ministry of Education to implement Yeelen's innovation
View Full Profile >
Dr Juliet Ihiabe
Yeelen Education Project
Achievements:
Aminah's dedication to improving rural education, particularly for girls, demonstrates a significant impact on her community. An innovative mobile library system and successful partnership with the government showcase her ability to create sustainable change. She also partnered with the Ministry of Education to implement Yeelen's innovation
View Full Profile >
Paul Kayode Joash
Yeelen Education Project
Achievements:
Paul-Kayode's mission is to develop individuals and organisations to operate in their peak performance. At MyDoubleDouble, Paul-Kayode is a prolific international inspirational Speaker, Sales/Marketing Guru and Personal & Business Transformation Coach/Trainer. Principal Coach at MyDoubleDouble. The host of MyDoubleDouble TV/Radio/Conferences both in the UK & Nigeria.
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Oluwadaisi Patricia Aderibigbe Santos
Educationalist
Achievements:
Aminahs dedication to improving rural education, particularly for girls, demonstrates a significant impact on her community. er innovative mobile library system and successful partnership with the government showcase her ability to create sustainable change. She aslo partnered with the Ministry of Education to implement Yeelen's innovation
View Full Profile >
Dr. Aminah Danjumah
Yeelen Education Project
Achievements:
Aminah's dedication to improving rural education, particularly for girls, demonstrates a significant impact on her community. An innovative mobile library system and successful partnership with the government showcase her ability to create sustainable change. She also partnered with the Ministry of Education to implement Yeelen's innovation
View Full Profile >