In the midst of poverty and inequality’s bleakness, the Africa Education Initiative (NEF) shines a beacon of promise and illumination. Through its unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational and healthcare opportunities for African children, NEF exemplifies the profound impact of authentic compassion and empathy, bringing solace and transformation to those who need it most.

The US-based non-profit organisation has dedicated the past 21 years to empowering African students from basic, secondary and tertiary institutions through comprehensive support, including scholarships, internships, donation of academic materials to schools, career guidance, and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to their growth and success.

To improve education in Africa, the Foundation has taken proactive steps by donating vital resources, such as establishing technology development centres at prominent institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Abuja; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa; Abia State University, University of Ibadan, and United Methodist University in Liberia, among others. Similarly, it has donated specialised cameras to five veterinary facilities in Nigeria to aid ambulatory services.

In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded 53 scholarships to students across the continent, even as it has trained over 130 interns for its Toxicology internship programme at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Jos, in the last 15 years.

According to a recent report by the African Philanthropy Forum (AFP), Nigerian philanthropists have collectively donated a staggering $434,170,034 over the past five years, as revealed by a comprehensive study that assessed the charitable contributions of 31 prominent Nigerian philanthropists.

Notably, President and Founder of the Africa Education Initiative, Dr. Chudy Nduaka, stands out as a quiet philanthropic force, dedicating the past 21 years to creating lasting change across Africa. Motivated by a selfless desire to make a difference, Nduaka’s tireless efforts have had a profoundly positive impact on the continent, leaving a lasting legacy.

Currently based in Connecticut, USA, the veterinarian and clinician for a multinational pharmaceutical company, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, in 1991.

Nduaka recently led his Foundation to visit the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he met with the Acting Dean, Prof. Hudu Garba Mikail and his team to discuss potential partnership opportunities. The goal of the meeting was to identify ways to enhance veterinary education and practice, ultimately making a meaningful difference in the field.

An elated Prof. Mikail underscored the need for privileged Nigerians to emulate Nduaka by developing a strong sense of social responsibility and willingness to make a positive impact through sponsorship and guidance.

According to him, the fact that the Founder has been sponsoring some of his students for several years without his knowledge speaks volumes about his extraordinary kindness, generosity, and benevolence. He also applauded him for previously donating computers and other digital tools to the Faculty to enhance e-learning.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Acting Dean said, “He (Nduaka) has done a lot for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in terms of donation of computers and other digital tools used for e-learning. He has also sponsored some indigent students on scholarship. He is also involved in a three month Toxicology training in the National Veterinary Research Institute.

“It will be good to have individuals of his calibre who will help in sponsoring indigent students”.

However, there is a common perception that charitable acts like these may be driven by hidden agendas, with the benefactor potentially seeking to advance their own political aspirations or interests, rather than solely being motivated by altruism.

But Prof. Mikail strongly disagrees with this notion, drawing a clear distinction between genuine philanthropic efforts, which are driven by a sincere desire to help others, and those that are motivated by political ambitions or self-interest.

“Some politicians do philanthropic gestures for the sake of winning votes but in the case of Dr. Chudy, I was amazed when I learnt that some of my indigent students are being sponsored without my knowledge, showing that the gesture is not done for political purpose. Otherwise, it would have been widely publicised for people to know. For me as a sitting Dean not knowing that some of my students are being sponsored, such kind of intervention shows the kind of magnanimity, generously and good heart he has”.

For the dean-elect, Prof. Simon Enem, the testimonials of the Foundation transcends beyond students, adding that Faculty staff are also beneficiaries.

He assured that on assumption of office as substantive Dean, he would foster a supportive and conducive environment that will enable the Foundation to broaden the scope of its philanthropic efforts and make an even greater positive impact on the lives of students and staff.

“Chudy has been very valuable to us as a Faculty. Our relationship with him dates back to over 15 years. He has been contributing in very diverse manner in training of students. He donated an e-library, he has been sending students grants for their upkeep and training. And he has been giving our staff grants for capacity building. The Foundation has been very good to us,” he stated.

Highlight of the visit was an engaging session with students from all 11 departments of the Faculty, who are pursuing veterinary studies, allowing for a productive dialogue and demonstrating support for the next generation of veterinary professionals, inspiring and motivating them as they shape the future of the field.

Accompanied by the Acting Dean, Prof. Hudu Garba Mikail, and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at the institution, Prof. Florence Nwiyi, the President outlined the Foundation’s initiatives, including mentorship programmes, Toxicology internships, and its long-standing commitment to empowering African students through holistic support, spanning over two decades.

During his address, the renowned veterinarian discussed various career options in veterinary medicine, offered guidance for students transitioning into professional life, debunked common misconceptions about the field, and invited the undergraduates to join the NEF Students Club – the students chapter of the Foundation.

Nduaka delivered a thorough and engaging presentation that not only educated but also motivated and inspired the next generation of veterinarians, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and professional journey.

He restated the need for a “mentor-mentee” relationship to ensure the all-round development of undergraduates. He also used the opportunity to inform newcomers that the field of Veterinary Medicine offers a wide range of career options beyond traditional clinical practice, including roles in research, animal science, public health, industry, consulting and a host of others, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to veterinary professionals.

“Set yourself apart from everyone else. Roll up your sleeves, make sure you have a goal and do everything to get to that goal.

“Network heavily. Get to know people outside of this wall of your classroom. It’s a global community. And no one should have the excuse to say I am not able to know people outside of this wall because the world is global. Heavy networking will get you to places. Even at my level, I still maintain my network not because of what I can do for myself but because I can help others get to where they want to be. Start building your network of people, as this will help you land that good job or further your academics,” he advised.

While advocating resilience and determination amidst the current challenges facing the country, he urged Nigerians to shift their focus away from the difficulties and instead, strive for excellence. His call to action emphasises that while the situation in the country is tough, others globally face even greater hardships, stressing that by continuing to push for greatness, Nigerians can rise above their current circumstances and achieve success.

Nduaka also offered comprehensive solutions to address the complex and multifaceted issue of out-of-school children plaguing Africa, providing a roadmap to tackle the persistent challenge and ensure access to education for all.

Recent estimates suggest that about 100 million children in Africa who are of school age are not going to school, while the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) revealed that Nigeria has the highest rates of education exclusion with 20 million out-of-school children, the highest in the continent and third globally.

Using his community Ovim in Abia State, South East Nigeria as a case study, the veterinarian said a nutritional intervention programme by the Foundation witnessed an exponential rise in students enrolment.

His words: “Ovim is a pretty small village but a lot of the students were not going to school. And those that went to school, frankly didn’t have enough to eat. So what we did was provide breakfast for them every single day for several months. And what we found out in the programme was that the students not only gained weight but they actually started doing better in school. Another thing that happened in that programme was that some of the parents heard about the programme and started sending their children who were not in school to the school. So the unintended consequence of that programme was an increase in enrolment of children to go to school because of the feeding programme”.

Also accompanying him were several key liaisons, including Dr. Olusola Oladipo, Dr. Idoko Sunday, Pharmacist Jurbe Gotep, Dr. Gilead Forcados, and Dr. Adikpe Agbonu, who lent their support and expertise to the initiative.

On its part, the International Veterinary Students Association of Nigeria (IVSA Nigeria) expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its generosity in sponsoring their forthcoming fourth annual Congress, scheduled for Ogun State this September. In an interview with our correspondent, National Secretary General of IVSA Nigeria, Oguntona Jeremiah, lauded the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, acknowledging the significant impact of their financial support on the advancement of veterinary education and excellence in Nigeria.

Nduaka pointed out that the Foundation’s three-month Toxicology and Pharmacology internship programme at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom Jos, North Central Nigeria, is highly competitive, noting that 300 applications from around Africa were received this year, out of which nine were selected.

Highpoint of the yearly event was a visit to Mother Theresa Orphanage, Gwarinpa Abuja to donate various food items as part of its mission to support vulnerable children. The donations included food staples, beverages, clothing, and educational materials to support the children’s basic needs and academic development.

The Founder said he was inspired by his father’s generosity and the country’s high rate of out-of-school children. He emphasised that the foundation’s work is not politically motivated, but rather a consistent vision to give back to the community.

According to him, despite the challenges of shipping and clearing difficulties, limited resources, and the impact of inflation on the cost of goods, the foundation will continue to make a positive impact with the help of volunteers, donors, and student chapters.

Responding, the Managing Director of the orphanage, Catherine Emeagwali applauded the Foundation for the gesture even as she called on well-meaning Nigerians to lend a helping hand to the underprivileged in the society.