We were lucky to catch up with The Ejiro M Ukiri International Scholarship Fund recently and have shared our conversation below.
The Ejiro M Ukiri International, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
The first thing I think about when I am asked this question, is my amazing team. Simply put, I believe that the generosity of the EMU Foundation comes from the team. When I asked one of the members this same question, this was his response: “My involvement with the EMU International Scholarship Fund stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education. By contributing to this fund, I play a part in breaking down the financial barriers that prevent talented students in Nigeria from pursuing higher education. Education is a critical pathway to opportunities, and for many, the financial hurdle is the only thing standing in their way. By supporting this cause, I help unlock potential and open doors to futures that once seemed unattainable. Furthermore, this engagement connects me with incredible individuals who are equally committed to making a difference in the lives of Nigerian students and, by extension, impacting the world positively. These connections are invaluable, offering me the chance to learn from, collaborate with, and be inspired by those who share a similar vision of empowering the next generation through education. The work we do not only benefits the students directly but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering a more educated, skilled, and interconnected global community.”- Pius Ukiri
As the founder/director of a nonprofit organization, my actions and experiences are usually directly associated with being generous. The act of being generous simply means, “showing kindness towards others”. This is a concept that should be a norm in the lives of many people around the world. Personally, I believe it should come naturally to every individual. When asked about where my kindness or desire to want to help out comes from, I am taken back to my own childhood and how I learned what kindness really looks like. As a child, I watched my parents give alms to people in our community on a daily basis without any particular reason or expectation from them. They did not do this because we were a wealthy family, rather, they did it out of genuine concern and care for the community we were in. As I continued to grow and pursue my educational career, I became more and more aware of my priveledge. I developed a deep appreciation for the opportunity to attend school in the United States and to acquire scholarships that sponsor my education. I began to think of ways that I could possibly give that same opportunities to others that might not have it. Eventually, the Ejiro M Ukiri International Scholarship Fund was established to help students with aspirations to further their education in Nigeria, and to be able to do just that without the worry of finances dragging them down. Being an active part of the foundation has also taught me more about what the act of being generous looks like, how hard it truly is at times, and how much of an impact it has in several families and communities.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The mission of the Ejiro M Ukiri International Scholarship fund is to inspire graduating Senior Secondary School students to embark on their journey towards acquiring a University/ College education in Nigeria. We intend to do this by aiding their dreams and aspirations financially so as to relieve a substantial part of the burden that the cost of further education might be. Our purpose is to support the young and talented minds that inhabit the winners and applicants of our scholarship, in order to provide them with a true and meaningful chance for success in the nearest future.The vision of the Ejiro M Ukiri International Scholarship fund is to finance the further education of graduating Nigerian Senior Secondary School students Nationwide. We aim to give as much financial aid as we can to every student around the nation; regardless of their state of origin and background. Our story so far has been rooted in community. In the last two years we have created a platform for students here to give back to students that are far away. What we are most excited for this year is the expansion that is coming. We are looking at growth. We are seeing the possibility to increase our impact by giving back to even more communities. Poverty is one of the major causes of illiteracy. Therefore, as a team, we have decided to launch a project that will give back to the impoverished communities in Nigeria starting from the Capital City, Abuja. We are looking into raising even more funds in order to lay a greater mark on others by the means of food, hygiene packages, encouragement, and one on one encounters. To achieve this new goal, we look to God, our donors (old and new), and the power of community!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As a team, we believe our biggest qualities are showing up, dedicating ourselves to the mission, and always remembering that the impact of what we do is way bigger than us. My advice for anyone beginning with their journey would have to stem directly from my faith and beliefs in a divine purpose. Based on my Christain beliefs, I do not really believe that luck has really played any role in my journey with the non-profit. I believe a lot in prayers. My parents raised me to navigate life based on faith, and I have come to truly appreciate that in the course of my life. Because of this, when I encounter any situation, be it positive or negative, I do not base it on good or bad luck but rather a fate or, as some say, a divine plan. However, I have come to learn that things cannot always go as planned, and that actually ends up becoming the beauty of the journey. There are so many successes that have come with running the non-profit, and it truly has been a blessing for my life. It has quite literally become a teacher for me because it allowed me to grow up and truly realize how reformative it can be to help others. I attend all our very well-put-together fundraisers, and sometimes I just get to step back and watch the beauty of people coming together, happily, to help people they have not and will never meet. Now, as far as I am concerned, these experiences cannot be accredited to something as simple as ‘good luck.’ It is definitely a series of events that are deeper than meets the surface. The sequence of events that causes the success or failure of a project as life-changing as this one is based on faith, and in my case, a faith in God himself. The other qualities I would like to highlight are resilience and dedication. The popular saying goes, “…the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” My journey with the foundation has come to be a true embodiment of this saying. The truth is, there is great need for what we do. It is common knowledge that there are a large number students (in this case Nigerian students) that are in need of financial support to pursue a further education. There are countless creative and brilliant minds that are just waiting for the opportunity to be recognized and supported. The goal of the Ejiro M Ukiri Foundation is to give these students a chance at the success that is right within their reach. Of course, achieving this goal cannot be a smooth road. However, I do not define these experiences as struggles/obstacles but rather as a learning experience. I say this because an obstacle can be defined as “a thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress.” It is safe to say that my progress as the founder of this organization has not been hindered because the vision that it was built on surpasses any difficult experience that has come about since its establishment.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There are so many books and talented authors that I have drawn wisdom from over the years. However, the book that has played the most important role in my development, purpose, aspirations, challenges, and character, has been the Bible. There are so many valuable lessons and pieces that can be drawn from it that I cannot begin to chose just one. What I love the most about this timeless book is that it can be referred to for just about anything that we face as human beings. There are not only instructions and lessons about how to tackle this adventure called life, but also countless examples of people just like myself who had to struggle with the same emotions and experiences that I face. For every situation in the world as we know it, there is an answer in the Bible. The Bible also reminds me to believe and look beyond what I can see. It gives me the courage and motivation to believe that there is always more than what the present might look like. These are all lessons that I always need as I learn what is like to lead a team. The Bible is responsible for teaching me what it takes to be a leader of any organization of any kind. It tells be that in order to acquire success of any form, I must first learn to be a servant. A leader must first learn to serve others and that is what I aspire everyday to do. A leader must learn mercy in order to attain mercy. A leader must look beyond a hard situation and encourage others to believe for the better days and fruitful time. A leader must learn to sacrifice for others no ,matter what that looks like. A leader must learn the importance of each and every person on the team. A leader must know that every voice matters and strive to create an environment for every voice to be heard. A leader speaks life into people because a good leader is for the people always. I always remind myself to go to God when I am confused because He is the most experienced leader that there is…He has been doing this for a very long time now. If I want to be anything like the people He has used in the Bible, I must first learn from the Bible and seek wisdom from those that have done it way before me. The Bible also teaches me to honor the people that have been placed in my life since I arrived on the planet. Therefore, I would like to credit this counsel and advice I have received all my life to my dad and mom. Every decision they have made and lesson they taught me is both directly and indirectly responsible for the life and career that I am currently building for myself today. When I was previously asked a similar question, I briefly explained how my dad instilled this need to be determined and zealous in whatever path I chose to take in life. I can truly say that my dad had a lot to do with my never ending feeling to do more for not only myself, but for those around me and in my country as well. My dad would talk to me about how important education and knowledge is from a very young age so this made me sure that was the path I needed to take in order to be successful. He taught me the importance of having a stance and opinion, especially when it comes to political issues. As a woman, I learned not to be easily swayed by popular views from my father because he showed me what it looked like to have educated views in every aspect that is important to my life. He emphasized the importance of not taking things for granted. My dad would always remind me that there is so much to be done which makes me feel like I am limitless and nothing is ever unattainable for me. Starting my non profit was a project that I have never embarked on before. There was no one that could show me the steps to take. Thankfully, I had this belief that it is not impossible for me as long as I really wanted it. This belief came directly as a result of my dads efforts in raising me. He instilled the drive for ambition in me and the longing for acquiring as much knowledge as I possibly can. When it comes to my mom, I truly do not even know where to begin. She is the strongest support system I could ever ask for. Growing up, I watched my mom go out of her way for people that she barely even knew. She would see and care for people that have been ignored for most of their lives due to poverty. My mom is one of those people that supports and cares for people regardless of what she is going through or if they can return the favor. How does this relate to me? My non profit came as a result of her raising me to see the importance of giving to others in any way you can. Why care for people you do not know? I truly believe that helping others proves to be one of the most beautiful things one can do as an individual. Nothing truly compares to the fulfillment that comes from lifting a burden off of a person’s back in any way that one can. I would not have come to genuinely believe this theory without my mother. She not only taught it to me, but she showed me even on days she did not know that I was watching. My mom is also a teacher and a friend for multiple reasons. She never hesitated to educate me on the trials that come with being a woman. She believed in me before I grew to believe in myself. She knew my capabilities before I came to know them myself and that plays a big part in everything I do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ejirointernationalscholarshipfund.com/
- Instagram: ejiromukirifoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ejiro-m-ukiri-foundation/
