As Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, celebrates her 50th birthday today, she marks the occasion with a powerful new initiative that exemplifies her lifelong commitment to social impact: the launch of the Next Generation Foundation (NGF). Dedicated to improving the lives of underserved and vulnerable children through education, the foundation is poised to create transformative opportunities for those who need it most.
With the NGF, Olusola seeks to expand her enduring belief in the power of education to shape lives and uplift communities. “Education changes lives, it opens doors to a future filled with opportunities, particularly for children who might otherwise be left behind,” she reflects. This guiding philosophy has inspired the creation of the foundation, which is set to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—its large out-of-school population, among the highest in the world. “With the NGF, I hope we can make a meaningful difference in changing that,” she adds.
A Bold Vision for Change
The foundation’s vision is simple but profound: for every child to have access to quality education and a real chance at a better life. This mission is being put into action with the NGF’s flagship initiative, the 50 by 50 project. Launched in honor of Olusola’s milestone birthday, this multi-year scholarship program will provide full educational support to 50 children between the ages of six and 18, starting from the 2024/2025 academic session.
These scholarships will go beyond basic tuition, covering essentials such as books, school uniforms, nutrition programs, access to health services, and even mentorship opportunities. In a country where millions of children lack access to these basic needs, the 50 by 50 project stands as a beacon of hope. Starting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun states, this initiative will draw on the strengths of leading social impact organizations to ensure its effectiveness and reach.
Through the NGF, Olusola is determined not just to support individual students but also to champion broader education reform initiatives across Nigeria. Her aim is to create a system where access to quality education is not a privilege, but a right for all.
A Track Record of Leadership and Excellence
Olusola’s latest endeavor is the culmination of decades of professional experience across various sectors, both locally and internationally. Before taking the helm at Transcorp Hotels, she served as Group Head of Marketing for United Bank for Africa (UBA), where she crafted and implemented integrated strategies for UBA Group’s bank and non-bank subsidiaries. In this role, she also led efforts to expand the bank’s stake in the Embassies, Multilaterals, and Development Organizations (EMDOs) sector across Africa and beyond.
Her expertise extends far beyond marketing and finance. As the Managing Director and CEO of Teragro Commodities Limited, Olusola spearheaded a significant partnership with Coca-Cola, making Teragro the sole local source for Five Alive Pulpy Orange Juice in Nigeria. This achievement highlights her unique ability to drive innovation and forge partnerships that have a lasting impact.
Olusola’s academic background is equally impressive. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Leicester and a Master’s in Development Economics from the University of Kent, both in the UK. Her passion for women’s empowerment, economic development in underdeveloped regions, and financial inclusion for disadvantaged communities has been a recurring theme throughout her career.
Looking Ahead
As she embarks on this new chapter with the launch of the Next Generation Foundation, Dupe Olusola remains committed to creating a lasting legacy of change. The 50 by 50 project is just the beginning, as she sets her sights on building a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed.
In her own words: “Nigeria faces one of the highest out-of-school populations globally. With the NGF, I hope we can make a meaningful difference in changing that.”
As we celebrate Dupe Olusola’s 50th birthday, we also celebrate her visionary leadership, pursuit of excellence, and unwavering commitment to empowering future generations through education.
