Joy Ogiator is a dynamic project manager and the founder of The Juli Education Foundation (TJEF), a non-governmental organisation committed to equipping Nigerian teens with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive world. With over six years of experience in project management, she identified the pressing challenges confronting Nigeria’s youth early on and channelled her expertise into creating sustainable solutions.
Thus far, her foundation, which has reached five countries, awarded over 300 scholarships, and supported nearly 25 schools through 28 impactful projects, directly tackles these concerns and offers a lifeline to many young Africans.
Nigeria’s education system encounters serious challenges, including poor infrastructure and limited access for children in marginalised communities. These issues, combined with a rapidly growing youth population, high unemployment rates, and swift technological changes, can feel overwhelming.
However, Joy Ogiator sees a generation brimming with talent and determination, waiting for the right opportunities. Through TJEF, she aims to bridge these gaps by equipping young Nigerians, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the skills and tools they need to chart a better course for their futures.
The foundation’s programs exceed conventional learning. Focusing on mentorship, career guidance, and fostering digital literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, Ogiator has created a holistic approach to youth development.
Her initiatives also incorporate internships and personal development workshops, enabling participants to gain practical experiences that prepare them for the workforce. By prioritising these areas, the foundation addresses immediate educational needs and helps cultivate innovative thinkers and leaders who can drive long-term progress in Nigeria.
In addition to education, Ogiator’s passion for uplifting vulnerable communities extends to her work as co-founder of the Abuja Food Bank Initiative. This organisation, dedicated to combating food insecurity, has fed over 500 families across 15 communities in the capital city.
The initiative delivers essential resources to families struggling to make ends meet by collaborating with philanthropic individuals and organisations. Her ability to juggle multiple impactful projects demonstrates her unwavering dedication to improving lives and her belief in the collective power of community-driven change.
As an economist, Joy Ogiator understands the importance of investing in human capital for national development. She envisions a future where 10,000 teens have the skills and knowledge to succeed by 2030.
This ambitious goal is more than a target—it shows her conviction that Nigeria’s greatest asset lies in its youth. By nurturing their potential, she hopes to lay the groundwork for a generation capable of overcoming systemic challenges and driving the country’s growth.
With each project, Ogiator challenges societal norms, reshaping perceptions of what young Nigerians can achieve when given the chance. Her commitment to creating opportunities that transform individual lives and extend outward to uplift entire communities is the cornerstone of her work. TJEF reflects her vision of a brighter, more inclusive Nigeria, where every teen can play a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future.
