About – NHEF

About Us

About the NHEF

The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) was founded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation in 2004. Since then, the NHEF has been committed to enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions in Nigeria.

A strong, world-class higher education sector in Nigeria is essential to the development of the next generation of leaders; and contributes to a growing economy, facilitates a just and vibrant social structure, and promotes participation in a stable, lasting democracy.

The NHEF is working toward a future in which Nigerian higher education is one of the best in the world – one where Nigerian institutions develop global scholars and leaders of the 21st century that can make a lasting impact in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Therefore, we seek to collaborate with Nigerian universities, and provide local and global resources to develop, sustain, and advance the skills and leadership of young Nigerian scholars.

NHEF Timeline

2000

Launch of Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA)

In 2000, the Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA) was launched by four institutions based on the belief that higher education was critical to Africa’s renaissance.

2000

2003

New Foundations Join PHEA

Mellon Foundation, Kresge Foundation and Hewlett Foundation joined PHEA.

2003

2004

Establishment of NHEF

In 2004, after several years of supporting higher education in Nigeria, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, under the leadership of Jonathan Fanton challenged a small group of Nigerian professionals concerned about the future of Nigeria to carry on the work of helping Nigerian Universities to build their capacity and become self-sustaining.

2004

2015

NHEF Scholars Program Launched

Career Development Programs to address the skills gap between classroom learning and professional career development.

2015

2020

NHEF Online Skills Academy Launched

Over 1500 students and young professionals from 11 countries were virtually trained in corporate professional skills for future leadership.

2020

2023

NHEF Faculty Program Launched & Largest Cohort of 100 Scholars inducted into the Scholars Program

61 Fellows participated in the inaugural edition of the NHEF Faculty Program, a transformative initiative to enhance the capacity and expertise of faculty across Nigeria’s higher education institutions. 100 Scholars were selected for the 2023 Scholars Program.

2023

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To enhance the capacity of higher education institutions in Nigeria and raise awareness about the role of higher education and Nigerian universities in social, economic and political development. We are focused on sustainable development and creating opportunities for developing and nurturing Nigerian talent.

Our Vision

To create a future in which Nigeria’s higher education ranks amongst the best in the world and increase the number of well-educated Nigerians assuming positions of leadership on the global stage.

To achieve our mission and vision, the NHEF seeks to:

– Assist Nigerian Universities to become self-sustaining by creating a culture of philanthropy within the partner university alumni community and friends of Nigeria living in the Diaspora.

– Facilitate fundraising training opportunities and play a leadership role in the development of policies and practices that enhance the fundraising and alumni enrichment capacities of our partner universities.

– Identify and develop linkages and strategic partnerships between Nigerian and foreign universities, Foundations, Corporations, government entities and qualified individuals.

– Develop and manage two-way exchange programs for students, professionals and faculty between US and Nigeria.