The Ernestville Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit organisation, has intensified efforts to address systemic challenges in African communities by focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation.
The Foundation, guided by the legacy of Mazi Ernest O. N. Oji, a Nigerian academic and mentor, aims to provide practical solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mazi Oji, born in 1908 in Umuabiama, Ajalli, Nigeria, dedicated his life to education, raising nine children who all achieved advanced academic qualifications.
His philosophy, that education forms the foundation of societal progress, underpins the Foundation’s work. Founder and Chairman Jideofor “Jay” Oji emphasises that “sustainable change begins with empowering individuals,” and Ernestville’s programmes aim to equip communities with the tools to break cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.
In 2024, the Foundation implemented initiatives to narrow educational and digital gaps. These included supporting local schools, distributing iPads and digital learning resources, and strengthening teacher capacity through community partnerships.
“We address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term systemic change,” said Oji.
In 2025, the Foundation awarded scholarships to six students from Ajalli for admission into Government College Umuahia (GCU), a prominent secondary school known for its academic and leadership training.
The Foundation also implemented a three-month preparatory programme for secondary school entrance exams, employing three teachers to prepare candidates for successful admission.
Sixteen girls who passed the entrance exams for other schools, along with four boys who did not gain GCU admission, were provided with N50,000 each to support their new educational journey.
“This is not just about sending children to school,” Oji said. “It is about restoring a heritage of excellence and investing in leaders who will one day transform their communities and our world.”
Beyond scholarships, the Foundation operates several programmes targeting structural barriers. The Umuabiama STEM+ Academy delivers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education integrated with indigenous languages.
The Ajalli Enterprise & Innovation Hub provides training in trades, digital skills, and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The B. A. Okafor Chess Chun develops cognitive skills and discipline through chess, while the Helping Hands Initiative offers food, healthcare, and housing support to vulnerable families.
The Foundation’s leadership and advisory teams bring expertise from finance, healthcare, academia, government, and technology to ensure accountability, governance, and innovation.
Ernestville actively seeks partnerships with governments, corporations, diaspora networks, and academic institutions to expand the reach of its programmes and create scalable, measurable impact.
Every initiative aligns with the United Nations SDGs, particularly SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, and SDG 1 on poverty alleviation.
Looking forward, Ernestville has outlined a ten-year plan to expand STEM academies across Africa, create five new entrepreneurship hubs, scale scholarship programmes to reach 5,000 students, train 1,000 entrepreneurs, and directly or indirectly impact one million lives.
The Foundation has demonstrated a strategic approach to nation-building through equitable access to education and entrepreneurial opportunities, aiming to restore opportunities for Africa’s youth while promoting sustainable community development. Oji noted, “Investing in education and entrepreneurship transforms societies. Our model is replicable, sustainable, and globally relevant.”
