About Stephen Akuma Network Foundation
Stephen Akuma Network Foundation (SANF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation based in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Our main work is helping young people build skills, get mentoring and find work. We also continue our work in civic education, peace-building and community development.
Our mission
To help young people in Benue State, especially those from middle and low-income households, gain digital skills, mentorship and pathways to work.
Our vision
A Benue State where every young person, whatever their background, has the skills, guidance and opportunities to earn a living and take part in community life.
Our values
- Dignity: We treat young people as partners in their own progress.
- Honesty: We report what worked and what did not.
- Practicality: We focus on skills and contacts that lead to real work.
- Accountability: We are open about our governance, our money and our relationships.
- Peace: We bring people together across ethnic and community lines.
Our story
SANF was founded in 2017 by Stephen Shiaondo Akuma, PhD, a computer science lecturer at Benue State University. In 2016, Dr Akuma started a blog, TAKINGaSTEP, that profiled young entrepreneurs in Benue State. Those stories showed how much talent young people had, and how few routes into work they could find.
SANF began with youth reorientation, voter education, good-governance advocacy and dialogue between communities. To respond to youth unemployment in Benue, we built an online portal where young people can register for job placement support. More than 500 have registered. Since then, digital skills training and mentorship have become the centre of our work.
How SANF and SACS Computers work together
SANF delivers digital skills training with SACS Computers, an ICT company founded in 2009 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
SACS Computers provides training facilities, instructors and technical skills. SANF mobilises young people, provides mentoring and works on job placements.
We want to be clear about this relationship. Dr Stephen Akuma founded SANF and is also the founder and CEO of SACS Computers. The two organisations share an address, No. 4 Inikpi Street, High Level, Makurdi. SACS Computers also designed this website.
We manage this relationship carefully. Dr Akuma does not take part in SANF decisions about contracts or payments to SACS Computers. Those decisions are made by our Director of Finance and at least one adviser with no link to SACS Computers. All payments to SACS Computers are reported in our annual accounts. See our Governance & Transparency page for details.
Meet the Team
Our leadership team and advisers
Stephen Shiaondo Akuma, PhD
FounderLecturer in Computer Science at Benue State University, with a PhD in Computing and an MSc in Software Development from Coventry University, UK. Founder and CEO of SACS Computers.
Dr Peter Itodo
Director of FinanceLeads SANF's budgeting, financial controls and reporting.
Emmanuel Okube
Director of CommunicationsLeads SANF's media, outreach and public engagement.
Barr. Ochima George Esa
Legal AdviserA barrister who advises SANF on legal and compliance matters.
Dr Maryam Abubakar
Adviser
Mr Henry Akya
Adviser
Dr Kohol Shadrach Iornem
AdviserHumanitarian and educational consultant in Benue State.
Mavis Dooshima Orjime
Adviser
Mr Gabriel Osas Enehizena
Adviser
Dr Igu Joel
AdviserMentor a young person, run a workshop or help at an event. Volunteers who work with young people go through our safeguarding checks.
Make a Donation
To sponsor a programme, please contact us first, or
You can send your support through: