By Our Correspondent
The Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) in Monrovia, Liberia says it has no affiliation or ongoing partnership with the entity known as the Western College of Nassau (WCN), which claims to be based in The Bahamas and to operate as an auxiliary institution of Central State University (CSU) in Ohio, USA.
AYLI’s attention has been drawn to reports that WCN is distributing “Certificates of Participation” via email to some alumni who were initially recruited through AYLI under a tuition-free Associate Degree Program.
A statement by the Director of Communication, Eddie D. David said this action is a direct violation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between AYLI and WCN, which clearly established a two-year Associate Degree Program, not a short-term certificate course.
The agreement between AYLI and WCN, the Institute emphasized, was recently terminated due to WCN’s unprofessional and unethical conduct.
“Following an emergency meeting with AYLI’s Executive Council and Alumni Association, the Institute strongly advises all affected alumni not to accept or recognize any certificates issued by WCN. Accepting such documents undermines the integrity of the original agreement and may expose recipients to academic and reputational risks.
“AYLI remains committed to fostering genuine and credible educational collaborations across Africa and beyond that align with our mission to empower young people through leadership training, capacity building, and community services.
“It can be recalled that in a leaked message circulated in a student chatroom, WCN alleged that some students were using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their academic work. Rather than following official procedures and engaging AYLI as the legitimate partner institution, WCN unilaterally terminated the agreement through an email signed by its president, Mr. Teron Dames.
“This move violated the MOA, which explicitly required a six-month prior notice before termination. AYLI views this act as unprofessional and disrespectful, and subsequently withdrew from the partnership.
“Further independent verification by AYLI revealed that WCN is neither registered nor accredited in The Bahamas or the United States, and has no official affiliation with Central State University (CSU), contrary to its previous claims. Moreover, WCN’s website has since been deactivated.
Evidence indicates that WCN may have misused the names of CSU and AYLI to recruit students under the guise of a “tuition-free” program while seeking denied accreditation.
“AYLI finds it contradictory and deceitful that WCN is now issuing certificates to the very same students it accused of academic misconduct. This behavior raises serious concerns about WCN’s credibility, integrity, and professionalism.
AYLI therefore fully distances itself from these certificates and reiterates that any individual accepting them does so at their own risk.
“In light of these developments, AYLI’s Executive Council has officially removed Mr. Teron Dames from its Board of Directors. His actions—misrepresenting AYLI and attempting to associate it with questionable academic practices—constitute a gross violation of the Institute’s core principles and reputation.
“AYLI also cautions the general public, institutions, and partner organizations not to engage in any business or communication with Mr. Dames under the name of AYLI.
The Institute extends its sincere apologies to all alumni and partners affected by these developments. AYLI is actively engaging relevant authorities in The Bahamas and the United States to pursue this matter through legal and diplomatic channels. Further updates will be provided as the process advances.
“About the Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI)
“The Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) is an online grassroots organization headquartered in Liberia, with active chapters in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and other African countries. AYLI is currently undergoing registration and accreditation processes across these regions.
“Through its flagship program, the Africa Youth Leadership Program, the Institute remains committed to addressing leadership gaps and empowering young Africans through education, ethics, and innovation.
Signed:
Eddie D. David
Director of Communication
Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) infoayli.org@gmail.com
CORRECTIONS AND UPDATE
The headline was changed from
Disclaim: Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) Distances Itself From Western College Of Nassau’s Unauthorized Certificate Issuance
to
Disclaimer: Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) Distances Self From Western College Of Nassau’s Unauthorized Certificate Issuance
ALSO,
The copy of the Press Statement has been added to the story.
