About GIPSED
Improving wellbeing through education, healthcare and economic opportunity.
incorporated with Nigeria’s CAC
neighbouring LGAs in northern Osun
people in our catchment area
Grassroots Initiative for Positive Socioeconomic Development (GIPSED) is a Nigerian non-governmental organization founded by Dr Michael Olugbile and Mrs Oluwapelumi Olugbile and incorporated with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2013. We work to improve the wellbeing of people at the grassroots by expanding access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Our work focuses on three neighbouring Local Government Areas in northern Osun State, southwestern Nigeria: Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe, with a combined population of approximately 509,000 people. Through targeted interventions and working in collaboration with schools, professional associations and community leaders, we help poor and vulnerable individuals as well as families to improve their well being and overcome barriers that limit their opportunities to better life.
GIPSED’s origins are rooted in the experiences of its co-founder, Dr Michael Olugbile. After losing his father at the age of seven, Michael and his siblings experienced firsthand how financial hardship can disrupt a child’s education. Even at the public secondary school he attended, there were periods when his family struggled to pay his school fees.
Support from others helped him continue his education. A scholarship from Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church, together with assistance from other benefactors, supported his journey through medical school. While still a medical student, Michael began setting aside part of his scholarship funds to help younger students pay school fees and university entrance examination fees.
That personal commitment grew into a shared undertaking. Michael and Oluwapelumi, née Olutoye, got married in 2009 and subsequently established GIPSED to extend practical support to more people and address the interconnected challenges facing the poor and vulnerable population in grassroots communities.
Since incorporation, GIPSED has been funded 100% from the personal income of its co-founders. Their personal resources have supported interventions in education, women’s economic empowerment, free medical care, youth development, community welfare and access to justice. Field staff, volunteers and community collaborators help turn that commitment into practical support for the people we serve.
To improve the overall wellbeing of people at the grassroots.
We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people at the grassroots by providing the support they need to achieve their full potential.
School heads, teachers, student associations, professional bodies, traditional and religious leaders, and local coordinators help us understand needs, reach beneficiaries and organize activities. Our collaborators include the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), associations of secondary school principals and primary school headteachers, student associations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the League of Imams, and other community partners. Their involvement keeps our work grounded in local experience and priorities.
We select beneficiaries using clear criteria, without political, religious or ethnic bias. Selection methods reflect the purpose of each intervention. Educational support may involve competitive assessment tests, while other programmes draw on community leaders’ knowledge to identify eligible beneficiaries using agreed criteria. Teachers’ awards have involved nominations and voting by fellow teachers and in close collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
These approaches help us direct available resources fairly and appropriately.
We aim to create programmes that can be sustained and replicated. For example, our women economic empowerment scheme involves revolving financial support which allows funds to be used again as beneficiaries repay, extending the reach of the initial capital. Our educational support seeks to help students progress and build opportunities that last beyond the immediate assistance they receive.
A scholarship helps a child stay in school, while additional teachers strengthen the learning environment. Medical outreach brings care closer to families, and livelihood support helps women invest in their businesses. Together, these activities address different aspects of household wellbeing and recognize that progress in one area often depends on support in another.
Dr Michael Olugbile is a public health physician and international development professional with a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. His experience spans primary healthcare, health financing and strengthening health systems across Africa, including work with the World Bank and Africa Union (Africa CDC).
Mrs Oluwapelumi Olugbile is a University of Oxford alumna and a chartered accountant with membership of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She holds an MBA and brings experience in accounting, public financial management and public policy, alongside her commitment to education and community development.
Their shared commitment is carried forward by GIPSED’s field staff, teachers, volunteers, professional colleagues and community representatives who contribute to its activities.
At the heart of GIPSED is a belief shaped by experience: timely support can change the direction of a person’s life. Our work is to make that support available to more people at the grassroots.
Our vision
Our mission
We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people at the grassroots by providing them with the support they need to achieve their full potential.
The people behind the work
Co-founder
Dr Michael Olugbile is a public health physician and international development professional with a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. His experience spans primary healthcare, health financing and strengthening health systems across Africa, including work with the World Bank and Africa Union (Africa CDC).
Co-founder
Mrs Oluwapelumi Olugbile is a University of Oxford alumna and a chartered accountant with membership of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She holds an MBA and brings experience in accounting, public financial management and public policy, alongside her commitment to education and community development.
Their shared commitment is carried forward by GIPSED’s field staff, teachers, volunteers, professional colleagues and community representatives. At the heart of GIPSED is a belief shaped by experience: timely support can change the direction of a person’s life.