History

The inspiration for the organization came when the founder, Odunola George saw the need for the Nigerian community in the Chicagoland to celebrate October 1st (Nigeria's Independence Day). The day serves as a time to remember leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa who worked with British colonials to obtain the country's independence in peace. Celebrating the day also serves as an opportunity to unite citizens of the country and friends in commemorating accomplishments of the nation and distinctive individuals, discussing existing national problems that  are impeding positive development, and developing ways to remediate  the problems. 

Seeing education as an important tool that can bring people of different ethnicity and beliefs together, Odunola along with her sister, Jumoke George, started hosting events to celebrate this great day in the history of Nigeria. The celebration is used as a way of raising funds to financially assist underprivileged high school students in Nigeria. 

With the current economy of the country, many brilliant underpriviledged high school graduates are forced to give-up on their dreams of continuing their education to a level accepatable to acquire a decent job and possibly assist their poor parents and siblings. Talents are lost and hope for a better life is stalled.

Convinced that improving the educational system in Nigeria is key to the development of Nigeria, Nigerian Independence Day Education Fund (NIDEF) was incorporated in Illinois as a non-profit organization in 2007.   



Vision: A united and developed Nigeria

Mission: To contribute to the development of Nigeria by promoting literacy in every part of the country, both rural and urban and provide financial assistance to underprivileged high school graduates who excel academically.


Goals:

>Mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora to take an active role in the educational system of Nigeria for the benefit of present and future generations.

> Provide 4-5 year scholarship each year to at least 37 students (one from each state in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory).

>Work with the related authorities to make formal education compulsory and enforced for all children between the ages of 5 and 18.

 Education News

ThisDay
http://www.thisdayonline.com/news.php?theme=43

Nigerian Tribune http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/education.html

Punch
http://www.punchng.com/Maincat.aspx?thecat=EDUCATION

Vanguard
http://www.vanguardngr.com/category/more/education/


Related Links
http://eduwatch.org/


Useful Links
http://www.waecnigeria.org/
http://www.jamb.org.ng/