Olanike Timipa-Uge, Founder and Executive Director of Teenage Network, has been selected for the Malala Fund Education Champions Grant, Cohort 8, in recognition of her bold leadership and advocacy for girls’ right to safe, inclusive, and quality education in Nigeria.
Through years of sustained, evidence-based programming, Timipa-Uge has driven systemic change for adolescent girls facing barriers such as early pregnancy, school-related sexual violence, and harmful social norms. Her advocacy led to the development of the School Re-Entry Guideline for Adolescent Mothers in Nasarawa State, a landmark policy that guarantees young mothers the right to return to school without discrimination.
In addition, she spearheaded the Sexual Violence Reporting and Management Framework for Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), enhancing the ability of schools to prevent, report, and respond to cases of sexual violence, ensuring safer learning environments for students.
The Malala Fund Education Champions Grant recognizes grassroots leaders whose work translates community realities into policy and systemic impact. As part of Cohort 8, Olanike will receive multi-year grant support and join a global network of education champions dedicated to ensuring every girl completes 12 years of safe, quality education.
“This recognition not only highlights my work but also amplifies the voices of the thousands of girls we serve,” said Timipa-Uge. “Every policy, framework, and program is designed to remove barriers and create pathways for girls to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Through her leadership, Teenage Network has established itself on the global stage as a force for educational equity, reinforcing the belief that no girl should be denied education due to violence, stigma, or circumstance.
This milestone further strengthens the organization’s mission to safeguard girls’ education, influence policy, and promote systemic solutions that ensure all adolescent girls in Nigeria can pursue learning without fear or limitation.
