Enhance the drive for excellence in diverse academic disciplines in Nigerian Institutions of higher Education, for social and technological development.

Nigeria, with a current population of about 140 million people, is the most populous black nation. Since independence from Britain in 1960, its educational system has witnessed phenomenal growth: for example, from one university (the University of Ibadan – previously a college of the University of London), over 70 universities today (comprising Federal, State and Private universities). The very high number of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria is strong testimony to the vibrancy of the Nigerian educational sector.

It is common knowledge that funding of Education in Nigeria, as in other developing countries, has not only been unsatisfactory but has also been dwindling, particularly, over the past 15-20 years. This trend is attributable to the prevailing negative economic climate. Consequently, Budgetary allocations to institutions can barely meet recurrent expenditures, with very limited funds available for capital expenditure, teaching and research. As a result of these constraints, the ability to support the conduct of high-quality scientific research has been seriously compromised. The combined effect of a depressed economy and a non-conducive work environment has resulted in the flight of an alarming number of highly-qualified Nigerian experts, in fields ranging from health and sciences to engineering and information technology to developed countries.

This has resulted in the reduction of the quantity and quality of human capital necessary for sustainable development – a phenomenon commonly described as “brain-drain”. To illustrate the severity of this problem, a 1993 UN Development Program report showed that 21,000 Nigerian doctors work in the United States, yet Nigeria's own health care system suffers from a serious shortage of trained personnel.There is a dire need for Nigerian higher education institutions to establish partnerships with institutions and agencies in developed countries, in order for Nigeria to participate actively in a globalized world. A number of factors which currently impede efforts at establishing linkage/partnership programs include:

• Poor personnel motivation
• Poor ICT facilities and most importantly,
• Bureaucracy associated with governmental control structures.

The primary objective of Global Educational Initiative For Nigeria (GEIFON) is:
To serve as a major catalyst and forum for facilitating and strengthening global educational partnerships with Nigerian institutions and provide a platform for connectivity between scholars in the various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

GEIFON will achieve these objectives through a wide range of activities.

Create and maintain an official website; Organize a quarterly lecture/seminar/workshop series on diverse disciplines relevant to developmental growth of Nigeria; Stimulate Industry-University relationships through regular workshops and internships; Publish quarterly newsletters with timely information on Global Education and opportunities for growth and development in Nigerian Institutions of Higher Education; Develop exchange/study-abroad programmes for academic, technical personnel and students; Organize workshops and training programs as well as make recommendations on policy issues; Facilitate training programs for science and engineering technicians; Organize training workshops on Proposal writing and fundraising.