Sahara Group Empowers UNILAG Academics with $36,000 MAD Grant
Sahara Group has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development and human capital growth in Africa by awarding $36,000 under its Making A Difference (MAD) Grant to three academics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The grant is part of Sahara Group’s ongoing effort to support practical solutions that drive economic growth.
The second edition of the MAD Grant focuses on youth unemployment, digital inclusion, and institutional governance. Each awardee received $12,000 to scale projects that have demonstrated measurable impact and strong potential for replication.
Supporting Practical Academic Innovations
According to Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, the grant is designed to back academic solutions capable of creating real-world economic impact:
“The MAD grant represents our sustained commitment to identifying and amplifying sustainable solutions that drive economic growth and development. This second edition allows us to deepen our support for academic innovators whose work has demonstrated clear potential for systemic impact.”
UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, emphasized the value of collaboration between academia and the private sector:
“The Sahara Group MAD Grant has been a catalytic force for innovation at UNILAG. It is a testament to the power of strategic partnership in advancing our university’s mission to develop leaders and solutions for the nation and beyond.”
Projects Making a Difference
Prof. Sunday Adebisi will expand the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Certification programme, which has helped over 20,000 students launch businesses aligned with their academic disciplines.
Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa will strengthen digital skills training and mentorship at the NITDA IT Hub, training people in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Prof. Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon will focus on re-engineering faculty administration systems to improve efficiency, academic performance, and resource mobilisation.
How to Be Part of the MAD Grant
Sahara Group plans to expand the MAD Grant to other universities across Africa, targeting projects in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and governance reform. Interested academics or institutions can:
Monitor Sahara Group’s website and social media for MAD Grant application announcements.
Submit proposals that demonstrate measurable impact, scalability, and alignment with economic growth or social development.
Highlight practical outcomes and the potential for wider adoption of your project.
The MAD Grant is more than funding — it’s a platform for innovation and sustainable development, empowering academics to transform ideas into solutions that benefit communities and economies across Africa.
