Layal Tinubu gathers 500 students for Noella Foundation's Life After School Summit

The Noella Foundation successfully brought together 500 final-year students from various universities in Lagos State for the 2026 Life After School Summit (LAS 2026). This event showed the Foundation's dedication to helping young Nigerians succeed beyond their education through mentorship, career advice, hands-on learning, and industry connections.

The summit took place on Friday, 17 July 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Students, business leaders, industry experts, and policymakers came together for a full day filled with learning, mentorship, and career development.

Mrs Layal Jade Tinubu, Co-Founder of the Noella Foundation delivering a welcome address at LAS 2026

The Co-founder of the Noella Foundation, Mrs. Layal Tinubu, led this initiative. It reflects the Foundation’s ongoing investment in youth development. They aim to give young Nigerians the tools, confidence, and chances to make a smooth transition from school to work.

With graduates needing more than just academic qualifications, the summit aimed to provide participants with practical skills, leadership qualities, and the confidence to succeed in today's job market.

In her inspiring speech at the summit, Mrs. Layal Tinubu stated:

L-R: Ms Tola Akerele, CEO National Theatre, Soto Gallery; Mr Bucci Franklin, Actor and Ms Mojibade Sosanya, Event Host

"Every year, Nigeria produces hundreds of thousands of graduates who are intelligent, ambitious and full of potential. Yet, many quickly discover that academic excellence alone is no longer enough."

She added:

"We recognized that while universities do an incredible job of providing academic knowledge, many students still need practical exposure to navigate life beyond the classroom. We believed no young person should graduate feeling alone, uncertain or unprepared. So, we created a platform where students could engage in honest conversations, gain practical insights, learn directly from industry leaders and build meaningful connections that could shape their future."

The program started with free professional headshots for all participants, giving students professional photos for their CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and other job opportunities.

Mrs Layal Tinubu, Co-Founder, Noella Foundation; Mr Seyi Tinubu, Chairman, Noella Foundation delivering a speech at LAS 2026

Participants also took part in workshops on job recruitment, building personal brands, preparing for interviews, and succeeding in remote or hybrid work setups. Digital learning tools were shared to promote ongoing growth beyond the summit.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panel discussions. These featured notable figures like Mr Mohammed Usman Abdul-Razaq, CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; Ms Mo Abudu, Founder/CEO of EbonyLife Group; Mr Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc; and others. They offered valuable insights into leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career growth.

L-R: Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister for Education; Mrs Layal Tinubu, Co-Founder, Noella Foundation; Mr Seyi Tinubu, Chairman- Noella Foundation; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment; Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development

Besides the learning, the summit created chances for mentorship and networking. Participants could connect, ask questions, and gain practical advice from the speakers’ experiences.

Breakfast was provided by Eric Kayser, enhancing the summit experience and showing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community growth.

The 2026 Life After School Summit strengthened the Noella Foundation’s goal of empowering young Nigerians with the skills and networks they need to succeed in a competitive world. By connecting education with real-world experience, the Foundation prepares the next generation of responsible leaders and innovators.

L-R: Mrs Funke Bucknor Obruthe, CEO Zapphaire Events Ms Tola Akerele, CEO National Theatre, Soto Gallery Ms Mo Abudu, Founder/CEO Ebony Life Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister for Education Mrs Layal Tinubu, Co-Founder Noella Foundation Mr Seyi Tinubu, Chairman Noella Foundation Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development Mr Mohammed Abdul-Razaq, Director, Africa Finance Corporation Mr Bucci Franklin, Actor

Looking ahead, the Noella Foundation announced that 300 top-performing participants, chosen through a competitive assessment during the summit, will join the Foundation’s three-week Post-LAS Bootcamp. This bootcamp runs from 1st to 22nd August 2026. It will offer advanced training and deeper engagement with industry experts. The program aims to develop skilled young professionals, giving exceptional final-year students practical knowledge, leadership skills, and stronger professional networks as they prepare for their careers.

Workshop session

Mrs Layal Tinubu announced that the 300 participants selected would each receive an educational grant to study a professional skill of their choice. This grant is to help the beneficiaries gain essential skills that will improve their job readiness and entrepreneurial abilities.