Highlights of 2005
Our Success Stories - The Case of Malawi
The VineScholars from Malawi
Our Success Stories - The Case of Nigeria(Olabisi Onabanjo University)
The VineScholars - Olabisi Onabanjo University
The Vine Institutions
The Vine Partners and Sponsors
January 2005
Activity: Meeting with His Excellency Rasheed Ladoja, Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, and the members of his Cabinet.
Purpose: Discussion on capacity building through quality education and gender equality as both a means and an end to poverty reduction.
Result: Since Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides opportunities for human capital accumulation and rapid development, The Vine Group requested and obtained land within the Campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for the construction of a state-of-the-art Research Center that will serve as a nerve center for capacity building.
March 2005
Activities: (1) Visited Nigeria for the foundation laying ceremony and construction of The Mekhi Phifer Research Center (MPRC).
(2) Visited Olabisi Onabanjo University to conduct needs assessment with respect to library revitalization and meeting with The Vine Scholars at the university
Findings: The University is in critical need of both library and laboratory support for medical and pharmacy programs
April 2005
Activities: (1) Shipped a 20-foot container containing textbooks and computers to Olabisi Onabanjo University.
(2) Meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Librarian, and University Registrar to solicit for land within the University for the Construction of a science laboratory for medical and pharmacy students.
Result: The University promised to expedite clearance of the donated books and equipment and promised to allocate the requested land for the construction of a science laboratory.
June 2005
Activity: Inaugural meeting of The Vine Group Advisory Board
Focus: (1) Seeking resources for The Vine Group to succeed in its mission of Poverty Reduction through Quality Education and Gender Equality, i.e. textbook acquisition, technological equipment, and funding for scholarships and grants.
(2) Seeking ways for a greater collaboration between Long Island University and The Vine Group. (3) Proposition of a Year 2008 Conference “Global Education Forum” (GEF) was introduced to the members.
Result: (1) Problems relating to transportation, warehousing, and volunteers were addressed and suggestions provided on resolution.
(2) Strategies were outlined for successful networking. Members are excited about the prospects of GEF
June 28 & 29, 2005
Activity: A two-day conference at The World Bank on The Nelson Mandela Institution for Knowledge Building and the Advancement of Science and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa
Purpose: Sharing of ideas and possibility of a collaborative effort in the poverty reduction process.
Result: (1) Several areas of collaboration are under consideration and future meetings were scheduled. Impressed about the activities of The Vine Group, some members of The World Bank Institute promised to work along with us in the fight against poverty.
(2) Dr. Hypolite Fofack, Senior Economist at The World Bank agreed to serve on TVG’S Advisory Board.
(3) A joint TVG-Nelson Mandela Institution Conference on Poverty Reduction initiatives is planned for April 2006 at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus.
July 2005
Activities: (1) Shipment of 6,000 textbooks and 20 Pentium 4 computers arrived at Olabisi-Onabanjo University in Nigeria and was presented by Mrs. Grace Akintunde
(2) Nigeria: List of successful candidates for 2005/6 TVG Scholarship Award was referred to TVG’s Country Representative for authenticity.
(3) Malawi: List of successful candidates for 2005/6 TVG Scholarship Award was submitted by TVG’s Country Representative.
August 2005
Activities: (1) Planning Committee on Poverty Reduction Conference was constituted. Sub-Committees were also set up to work on several facets of the Conference.
(2) Sorted out textbooks and computers ready for shipment to University of Malawi.
September 2005
Activities: (1) Committee on Poverty Reduction Conference met several times to work out details like: Budgets, Panelists, Art Exhibits, etc.
(2) Visited Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria to formerly present books and computers donated by The Vine Group and verified the academic status of The Vine Scholars in the University.
(3) Obtained a verified list of successful applicants of The Vine Group’s Scholarship Award.
October 2005
Activities: (1) Attended Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebration in Allentown, PA. The Mission of TVG was shared with the Keynote Speaker, Dr. James Jackson of Kurtztown University. Dr. Jackson has pledged his support for The Vine Group in area of Textbook acquisition.
(2) Attended “The 2005 United Nations Day” organized by The Links Incorporated as a Special Guest. The Mission and Philosophy of TVG were elucidated, particularly in the area of the promotion of Gender Equality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
November 2005
Activity: (1) Presentation of Phase 1 of TVG Scholarship Awards was made at the Mission of Malawi to The United Nations. Scholarship Check made payable to University of Malawi and Certificates of Awards were presented to HE Prof. Brown B. Chimphamba.
(2) TVG Awarded its 2005/6 Academic Scholarship at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Presentation was made to the scholars and witnessed by the University Senate.
(3) TVG Awarded its 2005/6 Academic Scholarship at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The Rector, Dr. Ademola Adejumobi, and many other senior staff were present during the presentation
December 2005 (1) Dr. & Mrs. Akintunde, and Mr. & Mrs. Mbamali traveled to California upon invitation by Mr. Mekhi Phifer, Chair, Board of Trustees, to attend his annual party and discuss the state of affairs of TVG. At this meeting preliminary agenda was set for 2006 upon approval of founding members. (2) End of year meeting of TVG to reflect on successes and shortcomings of 2005 and set agenda for 2006.
The University of Malawi is now composed of five constituent colleges namely: Bunda College of Agriculture, Chancellor College, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Polytechnic and College of Medicine. At present there are about 5,000 students on degree, diploma and certificate programs. Students are admitted to the University after obtaining their Malawi School Certificate of Education (equivalent to the British ‘O’ level (GCE)) and passing the University Entrance Examinations. The University of Malawi also admits ‘A’ level candidates.
The Vine Group has secured about 5,000 textbooks and 20 computers to support the revitalization, restoration, and modernization of the library system of University of Malawi. These materials are ready for shipment to Malawi. Thanks to the generosity of our institutional partners in the United States. The textbooks were donated mostly by faculty members of Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus), and North Central College, Naperville Illinois. The technological components were mainly from Columbia University and individual donors
A total of 70 scholarship awards are projected and short listed for presentation this year. So far, TVG, has awarded 25 and 35 others are pending. In all cases, TVG is gender sensitive and the awards reflect our position on gender equalization process. Our Institutional partners were made to understand TVG’s non-negotiable position on gender issue. University of Malawi, for instance, has a Gender Studies and Outreach Unit. The idea to establish the Unit was conceived in 1996 by a group of interested members through consultation with FAWE-Nairobi (Kenya). The Centre was finally formed in 1999. The mission of the Unit is to enhance the understanding of gender issues in Malawi and effect attitudinal and behavioral change, with the view of creating a more open society in which men and women are equal partners, participants and beneficiaries of development.
The scholarship awards to the students of University of Malawi that were presented to His Excellency Prof. Brown B. Chimphamba, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malawi to the United Nations, reflected gender equalization process. 
| Candidates | College | Field | |
| 1 | Hammingtone Nyirenda | Bunda College | Natural Resources Management |
| 2 | Yvonne Kalasa | Bunda College | Environmental Science |
| 3 | Wilson Nandolo | Bunda College | Agricultural Science |
| 4 | Chiza Kumwenda | Bunda College | Agricultural Science |
| 5 | Alex Chaima | Chancellor College | (unknown) |
| 6 | Mughogho, T. | Chancellor College | (unknown) |
| 7 | Mumba, N. | Chancellor College | (unknown) |
| 8 | Mbukwa, J. | Chancellor College | (unknown) |
| 9 | Phiri, L. | Chancellor College | (unknown) |
| 10 | Yambaninso Makwerelo | College of Medicine | Medicine |
| 11 | Lilian M. Gondwe | College of Medicine | Medicine |
| 12 | Lumbani K. Munthali | College of Medicine | Medicine |
| 13 | Tionge Ethel Mbeya | College of Nursing | Nursing |
| 14 | Chisomo Mindozo | College of Nursing | Nursing |
| 15 | Chindikani Nyirongo | The Polytechnic | Commerce |
| 16 | Sheila Jussa | The Polytechnic | Commerce |
| 17 | Allan Nyirongo | The Polytechnic | Engineering |
| 18 | Mark Ndipita | The Polytechnic | Media Studies |
| 19 | Linley Luwayo | The Polytechnic | Applied Sciences |
| 20 | Isabel Mangulanje | The Polytechnic | Applied Sciences |
Our Success Stories -
The Case of Nigeria(Olabisi Onabanjo University)
Olabisi Onabanjo University has approximately 40,000 students on 5 campuses. As a leading University in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Technological Sciences, the University is in dire need of current facilities to enhance quality instructions to students, research, and professional development for faculty and staff. The Vine Group conducted a “needs assessment” last year and resolved to construct (funding permitted) a new state-of-the-art science laboratory for Pharmacy and Medical students. Since, TVG has provided annual scholarship awards to 10 students in various discipline and recently shipped 6,000 textbooks and 20 Pentium 4 computers to the University’s Library. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and members of the group for these humanitarian endeavor. 
The VineScholars -
Olabisi Onabanjo University
| Candidates | College | |
| 1 | Oreagba, M. Ibidapo | Pharmacy |
| 2 | Omofuma, Nefe | Pharmacy |
| 3 | Alo, Foluke | Microbiology |
| 4 | Oyeleke, Adebiyi | Economics Education |
| 5 | Oduola, Abiodun | Medicine |
| 6 | Adekoya, Timothy | Pharmacy |
| 7 | Kanebi, Cynthia O. | Computer Science |
| 8 | Babajide, Funmilayo | Accounting |
| 9 | Oyawole, Eunice | Business Administration |
| 10 | Adebesin, Kayode | Computer Science |
The VineScholars -
Olabisi Onabanjo University
| Candidate | University | Field | |
| 1 | Akinyemi, J.O. | University of Lagos | Accountancy |
| 2 | Adekunjo, Akem | Lagos State University | Management |
| 3 | Ogaji, Idoko | Sokoto University | Health Science |
| 4 | Emuze, Martins | University of Benin | Medicine |
| 5 | Ademiloye A. | Ladoke Akintola University | Electrical Engineering |
| 6 | Mogbolu, Emmanuel | University of Ibadan | Computer Technology |
| 7 | Gbadebo, Adeola | University of Abeokuta | Environmental Management |
| 8 | Adeyinka Mathew | University of Lagos | Engineering |
| 9 | Garba, Michael | Amadu Bello University | Electrical Engineering |
| 10 | Akinrinade, Oye | Obafemi Awolowo University | Science |
| 11 | Okoacha, Innocent | University of Jos | Medicine |
| 12 | Awosuru, Segun | AAU | Industrial Chemistry |
| 13 | Anyam, E. | University of Ibadan | Agricultural Economics |
| 14 | Kolade, Oluwatoyin | Ladoke Akintola University | Economics |
| 15 | Ben, Kelvin | University of Ibadan | Economics |
| 16 | Adeyemo, A.M. | University of Ilorin | Medicine |
| 17 | Owolabi, Bukola | Moshood Abiola Polytechnic | Accounting |
| 18 | Apemiye, Rose | Obafemi Awolowo University | Medicine |
| 19 | Shasanya, Jibike | Convenant University | International Relations |
| 20 | Oluwaniyi, Tope | Obafemi Awolowo University | Pharmacy |
| 21 | Aikhuele, O. I. | University of Abeokuta | Environmental Management |
| 22 | Musa, Fatima | Amadu Bello University | Medicine |
| 23 | Ehigie, Ivie | University of Benin | Science |
| 24 | Oloyede, Aisha | University of Lagos | Medicine |
| 25 | Onyekwere, Ngo | University of Benin | Optometry |
| 26 | Onyia, Uche | University of Lagos | Medicine |
| 27 | Oyegbami, Femi | Convenant University | Business Studies |
| 28 | Ogunsina, Kemi | Ladoke Akintola University | Medicine |
| 29 | Olatunji, Bisola Y. | Ladoke Akintola University | Agricultural Economics |
| 30 | Akande, Adegboyega | University of Ado Ekiti | Philosophy |
The Vine Institutions
The Vine Partners and Sponsors
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