Building Skills, Creating Value and Building Wealth Through Real Estate Education

The atmosphere was one of excitement, fulfilment and renewed purpose on Saturday, 19 September 2026, as the Midas School of Real Estate Excellence (MSRE) celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural Basic Real Estate Certification Program – Cohort 1.

The graduation marked the culmination of an intensive eight-week learning journey that brought together aspiring real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and individuals passionate about building careers and businesses in the real estate industry.

The programme, which commenced on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, attracted participants from different parts of Nigeria. Through a hybrid learning structure, students participated both physically and virtually, making it possible for people from across the country to access the programme regardless of their location.

With its focus on practical knowledge, professional development and entrepreneurship, the programme was designed to equip participants with foundational skills required to understand, navigate and create value within the real estate industry.

Eight Weeks of Learning, Growth and Transformation

The eight-week programme provided students with exposure to important areas of real estate and the business of property.

Beyond classroom theory, the programme encouraged participants to understand real estate as an industry of opportunities that requires knowledge, professionalism, discipline, integrity and continuous learning.

Students were guided through the fundamentals of real estate, sales and business development, entrepreneurship and other practical aspects of building a sustainable career in the industry.

The programme was facilitated by Wilfred Akhahowa, Founder, Rector and Lead Instructor of Midas School of Real Estate Excellence, alongside Steve Agwo, Senior Facilitator.

The facilitators brought their practical industry experience into the classroom, challenging students to look beyond simply obtaining a certificate and instead develop the competence and mindset required to create meaningful value in the real estate ecosystem.

For many of the participants, the programme represented more than eight weeks of classes. It was an opportunity to learn, ask questions, connect with like-minded people, develop confidence and gain a clearer understanding of the possibilities available within the real estate sector.

A Memorable Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony on 19 September provided an opportunity for the school, students, facilitators, guests and members of the Midas & Leverage community to celebrate the achievement of Cohort 1.

The event was filled with excitement as graduates dressed for the occasion, received their certificates and celebrated the completion of a significant stage in their professional development.

The ceremony also featured inspiring words, photographs, networking and moments of celebration as graduates reflected on their journey through the programme.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presence of Tade Cash, a global speaker, author, real estate entrepreneur, business coach and business analyst.

His presence added another layer of inspiration to the occasion as graduates were reminded of the importance of taking what they had learned and applying it beyond the classroom.

Also present were key members of the leadership team of Midas & Leverage Limited, including Mr. Joseph Bolao Hafolabi, Executive Director, Operations & Customer Service, and Mrs. Remi Dele Alayande, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Business Growth.

Their presence demonstrated the strong connection between MSRE and the wider Midas & Leverage ecosystem and reinforced the school’s commitment to developing people who can contribute meaningfully to the real estate industry.

From the Classroom to the Real World

One of the central messages throughout the graduation ceremony was that the certificate should not represent the end of the students’ journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.

Graduates were encouraged to take the knowledge, skills and relationships developed during the programme and put them into practice.

They were challenged to become problem-solvers, trusted professionals, entrepreneurs and contributors to the growth of the Nigerian real estate industry.

The message was simple: learning should lead to action, and knowledge should create value.

“Your Certificate Is a Starting Point”

Speaking about the journey and the significance of the graduation, Wilfred Akhahowa, Founder, Rector and Lead Instructor of MSRE, emphasised the school’s broader vision of developing people rather than simply issuing certificates.

“For us at Midas School of Real Estate Excellence, this graduation is not the destination. It is the beginning of a new journey. We want our graduates to leave here with more than a certificate. We want them to have the knowledge, confidence and mindset to go into the real estate industry, create value and build sustainable wealth.”

He further encouraged the graduates to remain committed to learning and to recognise the enormous opportunities available to those who approach real estate with professionalism and integrity.

Steve Agwo: Take the Knowledge Beyond the Classroom

Steve Agwo, one of the programme’s facilitators, also encouraged the graduates to translate what they had learned into real-world action.

“The real test of what you have learned is not what you can remember in the classroom, but what you can apply when you step into the real world. Go out there, solve problems, serve people and create value. The real estate industry needs professionals who understand what they are doing and are willing to do it with integrity.”

His message reflected one of the key principles of the programme: that professional competence is developed through continuous learning, practice and experience.

Remi Dele Alayande: Build Something That Will Outlive You

Also speaking during the celebration, Mrs. Remi Dele Alayande, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Business Growth at Midas & Leverage Limited, encouraged the graduates to see the real estate industry as an opportunity to build something meaningful.

“You have been given knowledge, but knowledge becomes powerful when you use it. Don’t just leave here looking for the next opportunity. Learn to become the opportunity for someone else. Build relationships, serve your clients well and build a reputation that will speak for you even when you are not in the room.”

Her message reinforced the importance of relationships, professionalism and long-term thinking in building a successful career in real estate.

More Than a Graduation

For MSRE, Cohort 1 represents the beginning of a larger vision.

The school was established with the belief that access to quality real estate education can help individuals make better decisions, build sustainable careers and participate more effectively in the real estate industry.

The successful completion of Cohort 1 demonstrates the potential of a learning model that combines structured education with practical industry exposure and mentorship.

The participation of students from different parts of Nigeria also reflects the school’s ambition to make real estate education accessible beyond a single physical location.

Through its hybrid approach, MSRE is creating a platform where aspiring professionals can learn, connect and grow regardless of where they are located.

Celebrating the Graduates

As the graduates received their certificates, the atmosphere reflected both accomplishment and anticipation.

For some, the programme was an introduction to real estate.

For others, it was an opportunity to strengthen existing knowledge and gain a more structured understanding of the industry.

For everyone, however, the graduation represented a milestone.

They entered the programme as students.

They left as certified members of the first graduating cohort of the Midas School of Real Estate Excellence, carrying with them knowledge, relationships and a responsibility to apply what they had learned.

The Journey Continues

The 19 September graduation may have marked the end of the eight-week Basic Real Estate Certification Program for Cohort 1, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates and for MSRE.

As the graduates move into the real world, they carry with them the school’s guiding philosophy:

Build Skills. Create Value. Build Wealth.

The Midas School of Real Estate Excellence remains committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills and practical understanding needed to participate meaningfully in the real estate industry.

Cohort 1 has officially graduated.

The journey, however, has only just begun.

Congratulations to the first graduating class of the Midas School of Real Estate Excellence.

Build Skills | Create Value | Build Wealth.