Empowering Africa's Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Philanthropy

Jim Ovia is a believer that with great success comes great responsibility.

As a result, in 2004, he established the Jim Ovia Foundation, a nonprofit initiative with the goal of unlocking the potential of Nigerian young people. Using his entrepreneurial instincts and vision, when he saw the link between lack of quality education and poverty in young people, he knew he had the resources and insight to make a difference.

When Jim Ovia first took interest in computers and technology in college, he never imagined it would lead him to become the founder of Zenith, the largest bank in Nigeria. Jim understands the importance education played in his own success, and through the Jim Ovia Foundation he’s paying that gift forward.

In an age when formal and digital literacy are entry-level requirements for most corporate positions, the gap between the realities of education and skills necessary in the workplace is widening. At the same time, lack of infrastructure and financing means declining numbers of well-trained talent to support the business landscape. By using our knowledge and resources, we can reinvest in our youth, our communities, countries, and our global future.

To date, over 1,500 students have been provided with university scholarships by his foundation. Recognizing the need for high quality secondary education, the Jim Ovia Foundation established James Hope College in his hometown of Agbor, Delta State; a co-educational boarding school that provides scholarships for over 50% of its pupils.

Additionally, over the years, Jim has headed multiple NGOs. He was the first President of the Nigeria Internet Group (2001-2003). He is the founder and Chairman of Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE), a philanthropic organization focused on providing scholarships for the less privileged, of which some of the beneficiaries are now qualified professionals in diverse fields. He is also the founder of the Youth Empowerment / ICT Foundation, which focuses on improving the socio-economic welfare of Nigerian youths by inspiring and motivating them to embrace Information and communication technology.

Recently, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on “Nigeria Polio-Immunisation Action Group.” The committee in collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks to eradicate the dreaded disease of polio in Nigeria.