The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) hosted its 3rd Annual Scholars Program Orientation on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. During the three-day Orientation Program, we hosted 40 of Nigeria’s talented Scholars from our Partner Universities – Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria and University of Port Harcourt. The Orientation Program concluded with a celebratory closing dinner on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos. Also, in attendance were 2018 Partner Firms, friends and supporters of NHEF.
The NHEF is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2004. The NHEF is committed to enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions in Nigeria. Our mission is to raise awareness about the role of higher education and Nigerian universities in social, economic and political development.
The NHEF Scholars Program was launched in 2016 with the goal of increasing the number of well-educated Nigerians assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in Nigeria and across the globe. Through a rigorous selection process, we identify academically talented and leadership oriented undergraduate students in their penultimate year from NHEF Partner Universities and assist them in career development by providing intensive career and skills training, internships and employment support.
To date, the NHEF has provided skills training and real-world work experience to almost 100 Nigerian youth, including the 2018 cohort – our largest incoming class since inception. The annual three-day Orientation Program consisted of a series of workshops and panels focused on professional development activities, covering a broad range of topics and issues necessary to successful transition into the workforce.
At the closing dinner we celebrated the milestone of providing training to our largest cohort to date; we introduced our new Partner Firms and acknowledged the commitment of our existing partnerships. The Scholars expressed their gratitude for being accepted into NHEF community and having the unique opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s industry leaders and organizations.
Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Stock Exchange gave the keynote address for the evening. Mr. Onyema acknowledged the caliber of talented Scholars who are driven and relentless in their ambitions to playing a transformative role in Nigeria’s future. Mr. Wale Adeosun, Chief Investment Officer of Kuramo Capital Management and Chairman of NHEF shared opening and closing remarks.
In the words of one of our Scholar’s “you can only aspire to what you know.” The Orientation Program was an opportunity of a lifetime and Scholars praised the existence of the program for inspiring them to broaden their horizon and open their eyes to endless opportunities. The transformation of Scholars within the three-day period serve as a reminder of why we must continue to advocate on behalf of our Nigerian youth.
To view pictures from the program please click here.
The NHEF Scholars Program is committed to increasing the number of well-educated Nigerians assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in Nigeria and across the globe. To support NHEF visit us our website www.thenhef.org and follow us on social media: Twitter: @thenhef and Instagram: @the_nhef.