Looking for an educational foundation in Nigeria to apply to, partner with, or learn from? This list covers active, well-known foundations that fund Nigerian schools, scholarships, and learning programs — most still running grants in 2026.
What Educational Foundations Do in Nigeria
Most are non-governmental and non-profit. Their work usually falls into four buckets:
- Scholarships for indigent students from primary school to university.
- Infrastructure — building or refurbishing classrooms, libraries, science labs.
- Teacher training and school-leader mentorship.
- Advocacy on policy issues such as out-of-school children and girl-child education.
A few — like TY Danjuma and Oando — operate at a national scale; others focus on a single community or theme (e.g. STEM, girl-child).
Top Educational Foundations in Nigeria
1. TY Danjuma Foundation
Founded in 2009 by Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, this is one of Nigeria’s largest private grant-makers. It funds health and education work through partner NGOs, runs the TY Danjuma Academy in Takum (Taraba), and offers an MBA scholarship for African candidates at top global business schools.
Website: tydanjumafoundation.org
2. Oando Foundation
Set up in 2011, Oando Foundation backs the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education goals. Its Adopt-A-School programme refurbishes public primary schools, trains teachers, and tracks pupil enrolment. The foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States and is licensed by the UK Charity Commission.
Website: oandofoundation.org
3. Bunmi Adedayo Foundation
Focused on primary education quality. Programs cover teacher professional development, school-leader mentorship, classroom resourcing, and scholarships — all aligned with SDG 4 (quality education).
Website: bunmiadedayofoundation.org
4. Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF)
NHEF works with selected Nigerian universities to strengthen leadership, curriculum, and research links with foreign institutions. It also runs the NHEF Scholars Program for talented students from low-income backgrounds.
Website: thenhef.org
5. Odyssey Educational Foundation
Girl-child STEM is the focus. Odyssey runs coding, robotics, and mentorship programmes for girls in secondary school across Lagos and other states.
Website: odysseyedufoundation.org
6. New Era Educational and Charitable Support Foundation
Centres on civic education, leadership, and entrepreneurship for Nigerian youth. Annual programmes include the New Era Leadership Conference and school visits anchored on national unity and anti-corruption themes.
Website: newerasupportfoundation.org
7. United For Education (U4E)
Launched in 2015 to narrow the quality gap between private and public primary schools. Works with the private sector to fund classroom infrastructure and learning materials.
Website: u4efoundation.org
8. Whitefield Foundation
Established in 2003. Combines education, entrepreneurship training, and gender-equality advocacy. Its entrepreneurship tracks have reached more than 7,000 youths.
9. UK-Nigeria Education Trust
Builds funding and academic links between the UK and Nigeria. Activities include scholarship grants, school exchanges, and policy dialogue.
Website: britain-nigeria.org
10. Dbegotin Educational Foundation
Targets the 10+ million out-of-school children in Nigeria. Runs low-cost school programmes and teacher-training projects in underserved communities.
Website: def.ng
11. IA-Foundation
Founded on 30 January 2019 by chartered accountant Ibironke Adeagbo to mark her 50th birthday. Funds primary and secondary scholarships, plus school-supply drives.
Website: ia-foundation.org
12. Grace Foundation
Programs cover poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, and girl-child education across school-age groups, with scholarships and skills training.
How to Apply for a Foundation Scholarship
Each foundation runs its own cycle, but most follow this pattern:
- Watch the foundation website and verified social pages for an open application window — usually announced annually.
- Prepare proof of academic standing (school report, JAMB or WAEC results) and proof of need (parent income statement, community letter).
- Write a clear personal statement focused on your goals and the support you need.
- Submit before the stated deadline; many foundations close strictly on date.
- If shortlisted, expect an interview — virtual or in-person.
Tip: Foundations occasionally ask applicants to pay “processing fees.” Legitimate Nigerian educational foundations do not charge applicants. Treat any fee request as a scam.
FAQ
Are educational foundations in Nigeria free to apply to?
Yes. Genuine foundations do not charge application fees. Anyone asking for money to “process” or “shortlist” you is running a scam.
Who funds these foundations?
Funding usually comes from corporate sponsors (e.g. Oando), wealthy individuals (e.g. T.Y. Danjuma, Ibironke Adeagbo), CSR partnerships, and international donors.
Can I partner with a foundation as a school?
Yes. Most foundations welcome school partnerships. Reach out via the foundation’s official website and present your school’s needs and existing programmes.
Are these foundations registered with the Nigerian government?
Most are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as non-profits. Some, like Oando Foundation, also hold US 501(c)(3) and UK Charity Commission status.
Read also: Scholarships for Nigerian students.