Cynthia Ubadigbo
Cynthia Ubadigbo, Admin and Finance Intern, EduTrust Foundation

Rethinking Education

My name is Cynthia Ubadigbo and I am a proud, young Nigerian graduate. Now I understand better that education does not start and end with going to school and getting a certificate. It is a lifelong venture. Good education enables people to make the best decisions for their lives, to take their destiny into their own hands and to contribute positively to society.

At EduTrust Foundation, we are convinced that committed, responsive and responsible investments in education will have a ripple effect on development in all other sectors starting from the family, and expanding into the civil service, private sector, industry, health, security, justice, agriculture.

Education will also have a ripple effect on the environment, science and technology, oil and gas, banking, telecoms, trade and commerce, ICT, entrepreneurship, entertainment, infrastructure, community development, quality of governance, peacebuilding and nation building.

We realize that the link between quality education and sustainable livelihoods should be reworked and strengthened in order to address the bulge in unemployed school leavers and restive youths in Nigeria through job creation, entrepreneurship and innovative use of local resources.

Prof. Rev. Fr. Edwin Obimma Ezike, PhD, FCArb
Chairman Board of Trustees, EduTrust Foundation

Reforming Education in Nigeria

I am Professor Rev. Fr. Edwin Obimma Ezike, a seasoned teacher, Professor of Law and a Catholic Priest. I have been a teacher at the University of Nigeria for nearly three decades. In addition to teaching thousands of students at various levels, I am well versed in scientific research method and I oversaw the computerization of the UNEC Faculty of Law including the creation of a virtual library.

Over the years, I have witnessed significant improvements in the education sector. That’s a good thing. However, change in the education sector is not keeping up with change in many other sectors of our society. Driven by innovative thinking, results in many sectors including ICT, banking and finance, manufacturing and entertainment are today unrecognizable from where they were 20 to 30 years ago. The story is different for the education sector in Nigeria.

For us to bridge the gap, keep up with changing times and contribute to shaping the future, we have to do things differently and do different things for the sake of the younger and future generations of Nigeria. Importantly, education and educational tools and products should be accessible, affordable, relatable and useable for all Nigerians. That is part of the mission of EduTrust Foundation.

Marline Oluchi Okoh
Media and Communication Adviser, EduTrust Foundation

Our X-factor

My name is Marline Oluchi Okoh (Spirit Divine), Social Worker, Media and Communication Strategist, and passionate about community development. I have supported various projects focused on reforming the education sector in Nigeria and I have seen first-hand some things that worked well in the past but do not work so well for the present and will become dysfunctional for the future. Nigeria cannot afford to keep falling behind in the education sector. That would mean a reversal of development.

EduTrust Foundation is unique in the way we think about education reform in Nigeria and the way we approach the challenge.

• Innovative

The teaching and learning environment of the 21st century is changing very fast. Most Nigerian students voluntarily spend more time on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snap Chat, WhatsApp, and watching football games than they spend in the classroom or studying textbooks. Besides, the way the youth are socialized to learn today differs widely from the learning environment of the 1970s and 80s. Our education sector needs a major upgrade! EduTrust Foundation promotes teaching and learning tools and methods that are designed to transform education instead of resist human evolution.

• Adaptive

At EduTrust, we seek to find out what works in which parts of the country and why. Consequently, we realize that what works in Anambra State may not work so well in Zamfara State and may even be counter-productive. This flexible approach enables us and our partners to adapt solutions to different contexts based on the needs of the people, schools or communities.

Lloyd Duru, Esq., FCArb, FICMC
Trustee, EduTrust Foundation

Upgrading Education in Nigeria

My name is Lloyd Duru. In addition to practicing Law for over two decades, I have worked for over 15 years in training and capacity building in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Peacebuilding. I cannot overemphasize the value of continuing education and life skills beyond what is taught in the classroom.

EduTrust Foundation represents an integration of formal and informal education, local resources and global standards for impact in our dear country.

• Partnerships

Our strategy is hinged on building strong partnerships with stakeholders and influencers in the education sector—the public sector, private sector, people sector and development partners—to address policy gaps and to undertake remedial action and improvements. Our strength lies in our wide network of contributors, associates, volunteers and resource persons. At EduTrust Foundation, we think global and act local.

• Enterprise

EduTrust is a social enterprise and a not-for-profit venture. This means that we apply business strategies to maximize social impact. We are not averse to creating value. When we make profits or returns from any venture, we reinvest it into expanding access to education in Nigeria. We also provide incentives to local innovators and resource persons who are a strong link in our value chain. This way, we can reach villages, communities and populations that are otherwise hard to reach.

Samaila Magaji
Driver Class One/Transporter, EduTrust Foundation

Local Knowledge + Local Resources

My name is Samaila Magaji, a Certified Professional Driver/Transporter and lifelong learner. Presently, I am studying for a B.Sc. in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the National Open University of Nigeria.

I have travelled to 33 out of the 36 States of Nigeria, across the 6 geo-political zones. My extensive travels have enabled me to interact with diverse peoples of diverse cultures and exposed me to the struggles of peoples and communities living in underdeveloped parts of the country. It is not mere coincidence that the most underdeveloped parts of Nigeria are also the most educationally deprived.

In my experience, one things stands out: we all want the same things in Nigeria and we all want the same things for Nigeria. I want a greater, more inclusive, progressive and prosperous Nigeria and I know you do too. I want to have steady power supply, good roads, efficient healthcare, responsible and responsive governance, quality education for my children, and the assurance that I will leave Nigeria better than I met it for the sake of my children and grandchildren. I am sure you do too.

These things will happen only if we address the root causes of underdevelopment in Nigeria instead of chasing shadows. These things will happen only if we look inwards and realize the highest potential of our most important resource: our people.

So, join us at EduTrust Foundation and support us to expand access to education so that jointly we can build the Nigeria of our dreams. If you believe in the same things as we do, please like our page, get involved and support the mission of EduTrust Foundation.

Toyin Ajao (PhD)
Associate, EduTrust Foundation

Education = Human Capital Development

The greatest resource of a country is its people. In Nigeria, our generation has been made to believe that the greatest resource of our dear country is oil and gas and therefore the greatest Nigerians are those who partake in or control that industry. This has led to near-total neglect of foundational and productive sectors of our national economy.

I am Dr. Toyin Ajao, a global citizen, feminist-activist, social scientist scholar and holistic storyteller. I have been part of the birthing of the EduTrust idea and I believe in the limitless potential of youth and the creative genius of the NOW generation. EduTrust Foundation is not simply focused on building brick-and-mortar schools just to run them. We re-envision the entire education sector in Nigeria at multiple levels and on a national scale.

In addition, the objectives of EduTrust Foundation tie into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nigerian National Vision. National development and sustainable development start with human capital development. Nigeria must invest in its people today to guarantee a greater tomorrow and the most direct, connected and impactful way to do that is to guarantee quality education at all levels.

We are convinced that accelerated development towards achieving SDGs 4 and 8, and towards achieving the broad objectives and aspirations of the Nigeria Vision will be enhanced by supplementing and supporting the efforts of the government and other stakeholders in the education sector. We envision a holistic transformation in the way that education is disseminated and impacted; it goes beyond just securing a job, to a life of transformation for the self and the world.

Obiora Ubadigbo
Accountant / Financial Analyst, EduTrust Foundation

My name is Obiora Ubadigbo. I am a Financial Analyst—I crunch numbers for fun, for value and for impact. In many ways, numbers reflect reality and I have used this insight to assist startups and businesses in Nigeria to fix challenges and enable growth and productivity.

At EduTrust Foundation, we integrate quantitative and qualitative methods, realistic and future-focused perspectives in making a difference in the education sector. We use realistic financial and econometric models which both project that Nigeria will reap exponential results if she invests a tiny fraction of the annual education budget at the federal and state levels in innovative approaches and tools.

• The knowledge economy

Knowledge drives the new economy. EduTrust Foundation is knowledge based and knowledge driven. ICT is at the heart of this new economy. In Africa, we are mostly consumers of technology, not producers. Because we rely on others to produce the technology we use, we struggle with using technology that often do not work for us. Our youth need to tap into the trillion-dollar global virtual economy and not only participate in it but make it work for us.

• Complementary approach

Teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin. However, most interventions in the education sector in Nigeria focus on addressing gaps from the perspective of the student—such as providing scholarships—and do not sufficiently balance the needs of the teacher. Key success factors will include capacity building for educators and pooling together of a critical mass of teachers with the right balance of knowledge, competence and commitment.

• Mutual objectives

By combining the objectives of educational resources, sustainable development, national development and job creation, our enterprise challenges the false assumption that solving social problems cannot be economically viable.

Okey Uzoechina
Founder, EduTrust Foundation

Re-envisioning the Nigerian Society

Every desired change starts with a vision. Throughout history, every nation which has made great strides in development has been driven by a compelling vision of greatness and consistent action towards realizing that vision.

My name is Okey Uzoechina. I am a writer, teacher, lawyer, entrepreneur and diplomat. I have worked for over 10 years in the development sector at the multi-country level in West Africa.

I have a stubborn belief that exponential growth is possible in every sector in Nigeria if we do things right and if we do the right things. Development is not try-your-luck. Visionary People Together in Action over Time create Exponential Growth: V x P^x x A x T = EG ©

Bringing this home to Nigeria, the future we want will take a combination of a compelling vision, sincere and transparent leadership, people-centred policies, effective and consistent action, and time for organic growth. This is true for the education sector and for all sectors and can be applied at all levels of governance.

It’s possible! Nigeria is the sum of all of us. So each one of us must ask and answer one question: “What can I do or stop doing to make Nigeria great?” We have to get comfortable with discomfort and be ready and willing to adapt or disrupt what does not work for us.

At EduTrust Foundation, we make education our business because we realize that education is a catalyst for nation building. EduTrust Foundation is more than just an organization. It is a movement.

Ummita Abdullahi
Partnerships and Mobilization Officer, EduTrust Foundation

Democratization and National Reorientation

Let’s start from the basics. 20 years ago I had just started primary school and I had big dreams of what I wanted to be in the future. 20 years of Nigeria’s return to democracy has failed to support the dreams of millions of Nigerians. 20 years of investing trillions of Naira of our national resources in the education sector is yet to yield tangible democracy dividends.

My name is Ummita Adbullahi, an advocate for national development, social critic, grassroots mobilizer and peacebuilding expert. I am passionate about good governance and development in Nigeria.

Nigerians are tired of the same-old-same-old and they want to know: When will we realize quality education of the people by the people and for the people? How will education improve lives and livelihoods and guarantee employment for teeming Nigerian youths? How does education contribute to national development? What specific role are the people to play to make this happen? Do the people understand their unique role in the bigger picture?

The starting point should be reorientation on the value of education and the duty of every Nigerian to contribute to national development. People want to see results. If the people do not believe that education pays in the long run, they will not be invested in education. If the people do not understand what to expect and how they can individually and collectively contribute to improve education in Nigeria, billion-naira education projects and initiatives will not make sense to them.

At EduTrust Foundation, we realize that the starting point for expanding access to quality education in Nigeria is sensitization, advocacy and national reorientation on the values and promise of education. All hands must be on deck and we must forge innovative partnerships which involve Nigerian citizens, national and state governments, school administrators at all levels, publishing houses and educational resource providers, the private sector, ICT firms, communities, NGOs and development partners. It is time to change the game.

Chima Osuji, Esq
Law and Policy Reform Officer, EduTrust Foundation

Education Law and Policy Implementation

My name is Chima Osuji. I am a lawyer, teacher, writer, promoter of diversity in cultural expression and advocate for education law and policy reform.

Nigeria’s National Policy on Education is unequivocal in declaring that:

“The philosophy of Nigeria education is based on the development of the individual into a sound and effective citizen and the provision of equal opportunities for all citizens of the nation at the basic, secondary and tertiary levels both inside and outside the formal school system”.

In 20 years of our return to democracy (1999-2019), Nigeria has spent trillions of Naira on education at the federal and state levels. Yet, one wonders whether such huge investment has resulted in a critical mass of well-rounded individuals inspired to make positive contributions in a progressive society. Overall, the value of our graduates, certificates and social capital continue to be on the decline. Obviously, some things need to change.

The change we want to see in the education sector in Nigeria will not happen on a massive scale unless two things happen together: (1) the legal and policy regime permits and actively promotes change and innovation; and (2) we prioritize implementation of existing laws, policies, guidelines and regulations. The scope of our education laws and policies in Nigeria is quite commendable. But of what value are the laws and policies if for the large part they are merely ink on paper?

20 years is enough time for “siddon-look”. It is time to go back to the foundation. It is time to go back to Section 18 of our 1999 Constitution which seeks to promote educational opportunities for all Nigerians. It is time to open a national and states dialogue on effective implementation of education laws, policies, guidelines and regulations, to address what is not working for free and basic education, and to promote incentives for innovation in the education sector.

At EduTrust Foundation, we make education our business because we realize that education is a catalyst for nation building. We advocate for and support full implementation of our national and state laws and policies on education. Join hands with us to build a greater Nigeria.

Bibian Urum
Volunteer, EduTrust Foundation

Our 5-Step Approach

My name is Bibian Urum. I am a lawyer, a social engineer, and I am moved by seeing people give their best and realize their highest potential in any field of endeavour.

I believe strongly that it is possible to make quality education affordable, accessible, relatable and useable for all Nigerians notwithstanding their social status or location. In fact, it is not only possible, there is an overwhelming need to make it happen in Nigeria. To achieve this, EduTrust Foundation has developed a 5-step approach.

• Standardize

We live in a global world and our education must equip Nigerians with the tools and skills to compete in any sector in the global space. There is already undeniably a wide gap and we must narrow the gap.

• Localize

While maintaining global standards, educational resources must be relatable and useable by Nigerians. If it sounds foreign and feels foreign, majority will not connect to it.

• Gamify

Big textbooks and boring lectures are no longer cool to Generation-Y (I think we should replace this to “millennials”). The trick is to simplify the form, content and user experience of educational resources while not losing quality.

• Digitize

Digitization is not only about internet access. It includes formats that enable majority of the people to access resources including radio and TV, recorded lectures. Digitization breaks down the four walls of the classroom and brings education closer to the people.

• Disseminate

After all said and done, educational tools and resources must reach people in locations distant from state capitals and city centres. These are often the areas that are most in need of quality education.

To achieve all the above, the efforts of EduTrust Foundation alone are not enough. The government alone has not been able to do it. Private schools alone cannot do it in a way that is affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. Working together, we all can make it happen in our generation. We have complained enough, it’s time to take action. Be part of the change.

Samson Nnah
IT Expert, EduTrust Foundation

Impact of Information Technology on Education

The combination of education and technology has been considered the main key to human progress and advancement. Education feeds technology which in turn forms the basis of education. It is therefore evident that information technology has affected changes to the methods, purpose and perceived potential of education in general.

I am Samson Nnah, I enjoy the adventure of being a solution to IT problems, ranging from Graphic Designs, User Experience (UX) Design, Branding, Web Development, Data Analytics and IT Security Management. With over 18 years experience in these fields, i am honoured to invest my wealth of knowledge to the EduTrust Fondation. 

Changes to learning

Being able to access large databases of information fundamentally changes education, since learners can now be creators and collaborators in the access and construction of discourses of information. Due to their technological literacy, young people can derive cultural capital from their understanding of modern information technologies, and thereby have input into educational change. The same technology also facilitates the rapid exchange of information by researchers on specific topics, so that the speed of the distribution of information is greatly increased. The increased access to huge amounts of data means students need help selecting, evaluating and analysing information, and they need to learn how to determine the currency, validity and veracity of the information itself. All of these changes in learning

have implications for teaching practice as well.

Changes to teaching

The highest level of change occurring in relation to information technology and education is in the way teaching is increasingly being seen as occurring via the medium of technology, rather than utilising technology as an additional extra in the classroom. Information technology particularly impacts course content and teaching methodology and the recruitment and training of teaching staff as well as the content of courses . Information technology requires teachers to learn new sets of skills. Utilising computer technology improves the educational experience of the students – not so much because of the media itself, but because software programs require teachers to think laterally and systematically, and produce better teaching materials.