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NHEF Board of Trustees

Using education to awaken the "Giant of Africa" from her slumber

Dr. C. Sola Olopade
C. Sola Olopade, MD
In 1976, the Federal Government of Nigeria provided the capital to create the Nigeria Trust Fund to be administered by the African Development Bank.

The primary objective of the trust was to finance projects aimed at contributing to the economic and social development of the poorest of the regional member countries in Africa.

Nigeria was prosperous enough not only to take care of the needs of its people with free education up to the University level, but extended the largesse to the less privileged countries in Africa.

Almost three decades later, Nigeria, like most other African Nations handicapped by poor leadership, years of dictatorship, poor governance and corruption, struggles with the ravages of poverty in the midst of the global economic growth of the last two decades.

Our challenge today is to join the effort to rebuild a battered economy and neglected education system, essential keys to Nigeria’s future. I call on all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in key and influential positions all over the world, especially in the USA. It is time to support Nigeria’s flailing economy, assist in the rebuilding of societal values and bring the educational infrastructure to 21st century standards.

We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of foundations and friends of Nigeria, most especially the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation for their support of the Nigerian democratic process and their firm commitment to higher education in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation, based in New York, is yet more visible evidence of The MacArthur Foundation’s support for higher education in Nigeria.

Well into the first year of our existence, we are making steady progress in the development of a diverse, qualified and talented Board that is reflective of our diversity, and unites us towards the common goal of rebuilding the educational structure in Nigeria.

Committed initially to the four Universities chosen by the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria (Universities of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello, Port-Harcourt and Ado-Bayero), our goals are simple:
  • Making a very strong case for the support of higher education in Nigeria through fundraising, support of capacity building efforts, promotion of education initiatives, technology transfer through collaboration and expansion of the program beyond the initial universities in the future.
Towards the end of 2004, we hosted two development officers from the Universities of Ibadan and Ado-Bayero for two months, during which they had guidance and training on skills necessary for the effective operation and growth of a development office through our partnership with Community Counseling Services and exposure to development activities of some of the well established Universities in New York.

In the next two months, we will again host development officers from Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Port Harcourt, providing experiences similar to their colleagues who visited earlier.

On behalf of the Trustees of The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation, I welcome you to explore our website to review our detailed goals and objectives and to return for updates on our activities and growth.

I also urge you to join us with your ideas and financial support towards ensuring that through wise investment of our time and resources in promoting Higher Education in Nigeria, we may bring peace, security, growth and prosperity to our beloved country.

Who best to lead this effort but all of us?

I have a firm belief that the best of Nigeria is yet to come.

With Best Wishes,

C. Sola Olopade, MBBS, MPH
President, Board of Trustees
Nigeria Higher Education Foundation
June 2005
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