By Nnasom David

Cloneshouse has been recognised as a 2026 Youth in Evaluation Legacy Champion at the global inauguration of the Youth in Evaluation Forum 2026 and Champion Awards organised by the Eval4Action campaign and partners on 19 May 2026.

The award places the organisation among a select group of global institutions acknowledged for sustained commitment to integrating Youth in Evaluation standards into the design, implementation, and use of evaluative evidence. The 2026 edition of the awards featured 42 organisations from academia, government, youth networks, international organisations, the private sector, Voluntary Organisations for Professional Evaluation, and United Nations agencies. Fifteen organisations were recognised across two categories: Legacy Champions and Champions, including Cloneshouse, the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association, the UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office, the Mongolian Evaluation Association, United Nations Human Rights, and Lady Irwin College, Delhi University.

Cloneshouse was honoured for its long-term contribution to strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning practice and for creating pathways for young and emerging evaluators. The organisation was recognised for its work in youth inclusion, capacity development, and professional advancement within the evaluation ecosystem in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Through Cloneshouse LLC and the Cloneshouse Foundation, the organisation has implemented internship programmes, Monitoring and Evaluation training, mentorship initiatives, career development support, and learning platforms for young professionals. These programmes are designed to build skills and provide practical experience in evaluation and development practice.

The Chief Executive Officer of Cloneshouse, Oludotun Babayemi, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s commitment to youth inclusion in evaluation.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful to us because it affirms the work we have continued to do in creating space for young people in evaluation. At Cloneshouse, we believe youth participation should go beyond invitation. Young and emerging evaluators must be equipped, mentored, trusted, and given real opportunities to contribute to the generation and use of evidence. Being named a Legacy Champion strengthens our resolve to keep building pathways for the next generation of evaluators,” he said.

The Youth in Evaluation Champion Awards were launched in 2024 to promote institutional commitment to meaningful youth participation in evaluation systems and practice. The initiative also aims to bridge intergenerational gaps and strengthen evidence use in development.

Cloneshouse said the recognition reinforces its commitment to expanding opportunities for young people in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, data, communication, and responsible use of emerging technologies.

The organisation added that it will continue to strengthen youth development initiatives and support evidence-based development practice through its programmes and partnerships.