Women-owned and managed schools across Nigeria are set to receive renewed attention as stakeholders converge in Abuja for the 2026 Women-Led Education and Social Enterprise Impact Summit, an initiative aimed at mobilising greater investment and support for female education entrepreneurs.
The summit, organised by the Centre for Educational Empowerment and Orientation (CEEO Nigeria) in collaboration with the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), will spotlight 131 women education entrepreneurs whose schools are expanding access to quality learning in communities across the country.
Scheduled for June 10 in Abuja, the gathering is expected to bring together policymakers, development partners, financial institutions, corporate leaders and education stakeholders to examine strategies for strengthening women-led educational enterprises and enhancing their impact.
Speaking ahead of the event, CEEO Executive Director, Davidcrown Oyebisi, said the summit seeks to attract investment, policy backing and institutional support for women who have established and sustained schools despite numerous financial and operational constraints.
The summit is themed: “Empowering Women Social Entrepreneurs in Basic and Senior Secondary Education: Driving Policy Influence, Access to Finance and Institutional Support.”
According to Oyebisi, the initiative is designed to recognise and amplify the contributions of women who have invested significantly in expanding educational opportunities, particularly in underserved and low-income communities.
“Investing in women-led education is investing in the nation’s most vulnerable learners. These women are making remarkable contributions that deserve recognition, support and greater visibility,” he said.
He noted that the summit will showcase the critical role women-led schools play in improving educational access and learning outcomes for children across Nigeria.
A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a 200-page compendium documenting the experiences, innovations, achievements and challenges of 131 women social entrepreneurs operating in the basic and senior secondary education sector.
Oyebisi explained that the publication would serve as a strategic advocacy tool for policymakers, development agencies and financiers by demonstrating the scale of private-sector educational investments being driven by women.
“This publication will provide evidence of the enormous contributions women are making to education and strengthen calls for increased support, funding and policy attention,” he stated.
The summit is expected to attract a number of prominent female leaders and policymakers, including NCWS National President, Princess Edna D. D. Azura, who will chair the event.
Other dignitaries expected at the gathering include Mariya Bunkure, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour; Ireti Kingibe; Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; and Adedayo Laniyi.
Discussions at the summit will focus on addressing the major challenges confronting women-led schools, particularly access to finance. Participants are expected to explore sustainable funding models, grants, credit facilities, institutional support mechanisms and partnership opportunities that can strengthen schools serving vulnerable communities.
The event will also examine the role of technology in transforming education, with particular attention on the proposed 131 iPads Project, an initiative aimed at promoting digital learning and improving educational delivery.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the education sector, awards will be presented to women education entrepreneurs, public officials, development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists who have supported educational advancement across the country.
Organisers have called on governments, financial institutions, development agencies, foundations and private-sector organisations to partner with the initiative by supporting digital learning tools, instructional materials and educational development programmes.
According to Oyebisi, the summit is expected to generate stronger policy support for women-led educational enterprises, improve access to funding, expand learning resources and foster strategic partnerships that will enhance educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.
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