The appointment of Jim Ovia, CFR, the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, to the position of Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has been authorised by President Bola Tinubu. On April 26, 2024, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity, made this announcement in a press release issued by the State House.
The President believes that Mr. Ovia will bring his vast experience and professional stature to this role, according to the statement, “to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.”
One of the biggest banks in Africa, Zenith Bank Plc, was founded and is chaired by Jim Ovia, CFR. As of December 2023, the bank has assets of over $21.4 billion and shareholder capital of over US$2.4 billion. Global brand Zenith Bank is traded on both the Nigerian and London stock exchanges. Apart from its significant activities in Nigeria and other West African nations, the Bank also maintains sizable operations in London and Dubai.
James Hope University, located in Lekki, Lagos, was founded by Jim Ovia, who also serves as its chancellor. The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently authorised the university to provide postgraduate business degrees. September 2023 marked the start of James Hope University’s operations.
He has demonstrated the value he places on a quality education through his philanthropy, the Jim Ovia Foundation. Through the Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE) programme, the Jim Ovia Foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged students in support of Nigerian youth.Today, the majority of Jim Ovia Foundation scholarship recipients work as accountants, business administrators, attorneys, engineers, physicians, and other professions.
“Africa Rise and Shine,” published by ForbesBooks, is written by him. The book, which summarises the quick ascent of Zenith Bank, reveals the keys to doing business successfully in Africa.He holds degrees from Southern University, Louisiana (B.Sc. in Business Administration), the University of Louisiana (MBA), and Harvard Business School (OPM).Jim Ovia is a supporter of the EDISON Alliance and a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Community of Chairpersons.
Jim Ovia was awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, by the Nigerian Federal Government in 2022 in appreciation of his contributions to the country’s economic growth. Additionally, the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded Jim Ovia the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in May 2022. His visionary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial services industry have been recognised with national accolades, including Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), which were given to him in 2000 and 2011, respectively.
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Jim Ovia
A crucial initiative, the National Student Loan Programme aims to provide all Nigerian students and young people with access to functional skill development and sustainable higher education.The organisation that is putting this concept into practice, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, requires management and guidance from Nigerians of the highest calibre.
Source: Press.ng
