Right click, edit MIDI mapping, then hit the pad. Then uncheck "edit MIDI mapping."

Transpose the pads in order so they follow the right keys. I don't know how the Akai controller works, but there should be an option to let you change the note of each pad.

Ok I figured out how to assign them but whenever i close out it goes back to defaults. How do i save the assignments to the mpd?

I would check your manual for this. There is probably some button combination to save to internal memory, or you have some external program that will load your configuration anytime you need it (like M-Audio's Enigma).