On Friday, September 26, 2025, the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) hosted its 2025 Benefit & Awards Gala at the prestigious Plaza Hotel in New York City, gathering an exceptional community of global leaders, philanthropists, policymakers, corporate executives, and members of the Nigerian diaspora for an inspiring evening themed “Catalysts for Change: Innovation, Inclusion, and Advancement.”
The event, chaired by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and co-chaired by Mr. Gbenga Oyebode and Mr. Jide Zeitlin, underscored the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian universities and empower young leaders through innovation-driven education and strategic partnerships.
In his remarks, Dr. Alausa commended the NHEF’s enduring efforts in bridging academia and industry, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening advancement systems, endowment structures, and institutional funding frameworks across Nigerian universities. He highlighted education as a cornerstone of national development and called for collective responsibility among the public and private sectors to ensure that innovation and inclusion remain central to progress.
Throughout the evening, the NHEF recognized outstanding partners and visionaries whose contributions continue to shape the trajectory of higher education and development in Nigeria. Kuramo Capital Management received the Lifetime Partnership Award in honor of 15 years of steadfast commitment and collaboration with the Foundation since 2010. Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, was presented with the NHEF Leadership in Education & Community Impact Award for her tireless advocacy in advancing educational access and community empowerment. Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, was honored with the NHEF Leadership in African Finance &
Development Award for his visionary contributions to infrastructure financing, economic transformation, and sustainable growth across the continent.
Guests were deeply inspired by Ibrahim Nureni, Doctoral Researcher at Louisiana State University and 2017 NHEF Alumni Scholar, who served as this year’s NHEF Spotlight Scholar. In his remarks, Ibrahim shared his journey of transformation through the NHEF Scholars Program. His reflections on innovation, mentorship, and resilience captured the essence of the Gala’s theme — a call to action for individuals and institutions to serve as catalysts for meaningful change across Nigeria’s education
landscape.
Under the guidance of the Chairman, Mr. Walé Adeosun, CFA, the NHEF continues to expand the reach and impact of its programs. To date, the NHEF has trained over 620 scholars, faculty fellows, and graduate doctors combined, and reached more than 4,150 students and young professionals through its Online Skills Academy, equipping the next generation with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The 2025 Gala was a celebration of progress and partnership — a reminder that through shared purpose and visionary leadership, transformative change in Nigeria’s higher education system is not only possible but well underway. As the evening drew to a close, guests departed inspired and united in their commitment to support the NHEF’s mission of driving innovation, inclusion, and advancement across the nation’s universities.
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About the NHEF
The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) was established in 2004 with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Since then, the NHEF has been committed to enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions in Nigeria by strengthening advancement structures, empowering students and young professionals, and cultivating alumni networks as long-term partners in institutional growth. Over the past 21 years, the NHEF has trained thousands of students, young professionals, faculty, and university leaders while fostering global partnerships to support Nigeria’s higher education sector. For more information, visit www.thenhef.org.