Vision
To raise a generation of empowered, innovative, and responsible young entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth and social transformation across Nigeria.
Empower. Mentor. Build.
The foundation for young Nigerian entrepreneurs
Now accepting applications for the Inaugural Empowerment Programme, Sunday 1 November 2026. Apply by Saturday 31 October, 9:00 a.m.
What the Foundation stands for
Purposeful empowerment, mentorship, and opportunity.
It exists to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge, support, and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Vision, mission and aim
Mission
To empower young people and aspiring entrepreneurs through targeted mentorship, capacity building, and practical support that enables them to start, grow, and sustain viable businesses.
Aim and objective
To identify, mentor, and empower promising young Nigerians by providing them with the tools, guidance, and opportunities required to succeed as entrepreneurs.
The founder
Charles Deji Adeyanju is an Abuja-based lawyer and civil rights advocate from Kabba, Kogi State. He is the founding partner of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, a practice focused on human rights and criminal law, and Chair of the Centre for Liberty, a pro-democracy organisation working on civil liberties and electoral reform.
He founded Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law, co-chaired Africans Rising from 2021 to 2023, and sits on the board of the Katutu Civil Rights Center. He returned to university later in life, graduated in law with First Class Honours in 2022, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2024.
- Born
- Kabba, Kogi State
- Practice
- Founding partner, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Abuja
- Advocacy
- Chair, Centre for Liberty
- Education
- LL.B, First Class Honours, Baze University (2022); LL.M, Baze University (2025)
- Bar
- Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2024
- Recognition
- Most Courageous Activist of the Year, DAAR Communications (2019)
The first of many.
young Nigerian law students will form the first cohort. The Inaugural Empowerment Programme opens a series of programmes the Foundation will run to mentor and equip entrepreneurs across the country.
Programmes
Each programme runs as its own cohort, with its own theme, call for applications and venue. The venue is shared only with successful applicants.
Inaugural Empowerment Programme
Theme: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Entrepreneurs
- Sunday, 1 November 2026
- 3:00 p.m.
- Venue
- 50 beneficiaries
- Law students, 200 level to Law School
- Apply
More programmes are on the way. New calls for applications will be announced on the applications page.
How to apply
Every Foundation programme has its own application form on the applications page. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted with further details, including the venue.
Find an open programme
The applications page lists every programme the Foundation has announced, with its theme, date and closing time. Choose one that is open.
Prepare your documents
The form asks for the following:
- Full name and date of birth
- Name of institution and current level
- Current CGPA
- Evidence of studentship (screenshot of school portal)
- Reference letter from a Dean or Head of Department (optional)
- Your business or idea, and your plan for the first 90 days
- Whether you can attend in person in Abuja
Complete the form
Fill in your details and upload your documents as PDF, JPG or PNG files of up to 5MB each. You receive an application reference when you submit.
Shortlisting
When the call closes, the Foundation reviews every application. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, by phone or email, with further details including the venue.
News
All newsBefore you apply
Who can apply?
The Inaugural Empowerment Programme is for law students with a passion for entrepreneurship, from 200 level to the Nigerian Law School. You will need evidence of studentship, such as a screenshot of your school portal.
Will there be other programmes?
Yes. The inaugural edition is the first in a series. Each new call for applications appears on the applications page with its own theme, dates and deadline.
When do applications close?
Each programme has its own deadline, shown on the applications page. For the Inaugural Empowerment Programme, applications close on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 9:00 a.m. West Africa Time.
Where will the programme hold?
In person in Abuja. The venue is communicated only to successful applicants.
How will I know if I have been shortlisted?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, by phone or email, with further details including the venue. Make sure the contact details on your form are correct.
What files can I upload?
PDF, JPG, PNG or WEBP files of up to 5MB each. A clear screenshot of your school portal showing your name and institution works as evidence of studentship.
My school does not use a 5-point scale.
Choose your grading scale on the form and enter your CGPA exactly as it appears on your portal or transcript.
Will the event be photographed or filmed?
Yes. The programme is likely to be covered by the press. By applying, you consent to being photographed and filmed at the event, as set out in the privacy notice.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. The Foundation does not charge any fee to apply or to take part. Ignore anyone who asks you to pay on its behalf.
Can I apply more than once?
You can apply once to each programme. If you made a mistake, write to info@dejiadeyanjufoundation.org with your application reference.
Who is behind the Foundation?
The Foundation was established by Deji Adeyanju, an Abuja-based lawyer and civil rights advocate, founding partner of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and Chair of the Centre for Liberty. Read about the founder.