The Prof. David Iornem Legacy Scholarship is a landmark initiative set to inject N600 million into Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape. This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a profound commitment to nurturing 1,000 aspiring Nigerian entrepreneurs, embodying the enduring vision of Professor David Iornem. A distinguished elder statesman and a true visionary in education and capacity development, Prof. Iornem’s lifelong dedication to accessible, quality education and his pioneering work in digital and entrepreneurial learning form the bedrock of this transformative program.
The Imperative: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential
Nigeria grapples with significant challenges in youth unemployment and the urgent need for economic diversification. Fostering entrepreneurship is not merely beneficial; it’s critical for achieving sustainable economic growth, creating vital jobs, and alleviating poverty. All too often, brilliant, innovative minds are held back by a lack of financial resources and structured support needed to translate their ideas into thriving businesses.
Professor David Iornem’s life story is a testament to the power of principled leadership and education in building a better society. His vast experience in educational services, including institutions like the London Graduate School and his current leadership of New Idea Management Consultants (NIMC), showcases a deep understanding of education’s transformative potential. His innovative “binary system of education,” where indigent students contribute services in lieu of fees, highlights his unwavering commitment to inclusive access. Furthermore, his early embrace of digital education and digital marketing as core curriculum components demonstrates his foresight in equipping individuals for the modern economy.
The Prof. David Iornem Legacy Scholarship will, therefore, transcend traditional financial assistance. It will champion his principles of practical, impactful education, cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs poised to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development. This initiative is a fitting, living tribute to his legacy, ensuring his vision for empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship continues to flourish.
Hope Builders Enterprise Academy: Our Strategic Partner
The Prof. David Iornem Legacy Scholarship will power 1,000 entrepreneurs through the Hope Builders Enterprise Academy to earn their Humanitarian MBA degrees. This is a program distinguished by its accreditation from the globally renowned Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship (RISE) in Switzerland. This strategic partnership ensures a world-class educational experience.
Who We Empower
We are actively seeking entrepreneurs with a clear purpose, undeniable ambition, and a commitment to operating legally (registered with local authorities) who are driven to accelerate their ventures. Our specific focus is on those providing solutions to critical societal challenges across these vital domains:
- Clean Water
- Balanced Nutrition
- Breathable Air
- Renewable Energy
- Quality Education
- Reliable Healthcare
- Secure Habitat
- Good Jobs / Ventures (Self-Expression)
Our Mission: Driving Systems Change
Our core purpose is to empower entrepreneurs with systems-changing innovations, strengthening their social and economic status, and fostering sustainable livelihoods. This enables them to become true champions of change within their communities.
Our ambition is bold and clear: to strengthen the lives and sharpen the skills of 300 entrepreneurs annually, equipping them to solve complex societal challenges at the critical intersection of employment and entrepreneurship.
A Proven Path to Success
Since May 2023, Hope Builders Enterprise Academy has been accredited by the Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship, Switzerland, to coach candidates to earn their Roxbourg.MBA degrees. We are proud to have already graduated our first three cohorts with their MBAs, a testament to the program’s effectiveness. We have also assembled a robust team of dedicated leaders and coaches to facilitate employability skills workshops and guide candidates through their Roxbourg.MBA journey.
Eliminating Barriers, Maximizing Impact
We firmly believe that financial constraints, poverty, emergencies, prohibitive tuition fees, demanding entrance examinations, geographical limitations, and discrimination should never hinder an entrepreneur’s access to quality higher education. This conviction drives our commitment to offering an exceptional 85-95% scholarship to our candidates. Beyond this significant financial support, we provide crucial micro-credit facilities and grant access to a unique global partnership and network.
The alarming surge in poverty, unemployment, and underemployment in Nigeria is intrinsically linked to a critical shortage of employability skills among graduates, leaving them vulnerable and hindering economic progress. The Prof. David Iornem Legacy Scholarship and our comprehensive program are designed to disrupt this detrimental cycle. We will equip entrepreneurs with the skills not only to thrive individually but also to create the sustainable jobs and opportunities our society desperately needs.
Scholarship Components and Structure
The N600 million scholarship fund will be strategically disbursed to provide comprehensive support:
- Humanitarian MBA Education: Sponsorship for the Roxbourg.MBA program through Hope Builders Enterprise Academy, providing a rigorous curriculum focused on social entrepreneurship and practical business application.
- Seed Funding/Grants: Direct financial support to help entrepreneurs cover initial startup costs, product development, or operational expenses.
- Employability Skills Workshops: Intensive training in essential skills vital for business growth and job creation.
- Mentorship & Coaching: Access to a network of experienced business leaders and dedicated coaches for personalized guidance and strategic advice.
- Micro-Credit Facilities: Opportunities for small-scale financing to further support business development.
- Global Partnership & Network: Unique access to international connections and resources facilitated by the Roxbourg Institute.
Expected Outcomes: A Transformed Future
The Prof. David Iornem Legacy Scholarship is poised to deliver transformative outcomes:
- Launch and Growth of 1,000 Sustainable Ventures: Nurturing new businesses that provide innovative solutions to societal challenges across key domains.
- Significant Job Creation: Generating numerous employment opportunities within Nigeria’s economy.
- Enhanced Innovation and Economic Diversification: Fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives national development.
- Empowerment of Ethical Leaders: Cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs who are both successful and committed to ethical practices and community impact.
- An Enduring Legacy: Creating a powerful, living tribute to Prof. David Iornem’s invaluable contributions to education, entrepreneurship, and human development.
This initiative is more than a scholarship; it’s an investment in the future of Nigeria, building on the profound legacy of a man who believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives.
