Sharing Stories
Featured Alumni Interview
Okrofobou Nana Yaw Adjei II
AAI ASPAU Program Alumnus
Accomplished Aeronautics Engineer and Traditional leader, Omanhene of Mim Traditional Area
Transcript excerpts from the video, 10:42-11:17 and 40:55-41:35
“I remember when you were growing up, your dad was not going to the store and buy you a toy. You had to make your own toy. Some made cars, some made airplanes. I made airplanes. You could see them flying overhead, way up there. Tiny airplane, tiny picture. So that got into me, I wanted to study airplanes before I went [to Kuma Institute of Technology]. That’s where I did engineering, math. And so when I applied for ASPAU, I studied Aeronautics and Astronautics. And Purdue [University] is one of the big schools in that area, so that’s where I was sent.”
“So maybe when we do the school of aviation, we’ll bring it here. We already have an air strip in this quiet place. In fact, one time I was saying I should really write a letter of appreciation to AAI about the ASPAU program … but I’m a terrible writer and I should really do it, but I really appreciate the ASPAU program. It’s made me what I am right now. Really. Without it, where would I have been? I wouldn’t be able to start in the U.S. or anywhere else.”
In Memoriam
Hon. Kouaro Yves Chabi
1973-2025
The Africa-America Institute (AAI) was shocked and saddened by the demise of Hon. Kouaro Yves Chabi, one of its illustrious alumni in the Republic of Benin through a tragic car accident that occurred on February 20th, 2025.
Hon. Kouaro Chabi was Benin’s Minister of Secondary, Technical Education, and Vocational Training, a role he excelled at as he worked with local and international partners to transform his country through quality education and skills development. Prior to his appointment as Minister, Hon. Chabi served in Benin’s education sector as Education Monitoring Officer in the Bureau of Analysis and Investigation at the Presidency of the Republic of Benin.
While mourning him, we also celebrate his legacy of unparalleled passion for educating young people in Benin during his sterling career which took off with AAI scholarship for his second master’s degree in educational sciences from West Virginia University, USA, in 2007. In an interview with the AAI in 2023, Minister Chabi explained why it is essential to invest in the education of the youth. “I am very sure that African countries cannot develop forward without the youth,” he said, “it’s very important to put resources into the education of youth, especially young women.”
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Minister Chabi as well as the Government and the people of the Republic of Benin for this tragic loss.