Virginia Okudolo Family Foundation Fund

Virginia Okudolo was born in 1946 in Nigeria to Michael and Paulina Twakor. She grew up in a family where education was limited but treasured. Her father, dedicated to educating both his own children and his brothers’ children, passed away before completing Virginia’s schooling. With the help of supportive relatives, she persevered and completed her education — laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and leadership.

She began her career as a teacher and later married Dr. Thomas Okudolo, also a teacher. In 1968, Thomas founded Exam Success Correspondence College, Africa’s first correspondence college, giving thousands of people access to education they might otherwise never have had. From doctors and lawyers to educators and entrepreneurs, many alumni credit the college with their success and proudly remember the Okudolo name. Virginia herself earned her GCE O- and A-Levels through the college, obtained her Teacher’s Certificate, and taught in elementary schools. After Thomas’s passing in 1991, she led the college, earning multiple awards for educational excellence.

Virginia’s life has always been marked by compassion in action. In Nigeria, she partnered with a doctor and community members to care for homeless and mentally challenged individuals — providing food, clothing, and medical care. Even after that group dissolved, she continued her charitable work: sewing dresses for underprivileged children, delivering aid through the Catholic Women’s Organization, supporting St. Theresa Orphanage, and helping marginalized communities across Africa. Guided by the biblical verses “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8) and “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), she believes that no child should be denied education because of poverty, and no one should be left without care or dignity.

The Virginia Okudolo Family Foundation — registered in Canada, where Virginia has lived with her family since 2011 — carries forward her vision. From her home in Canada, her mission continues, supporting orphanages, widows, and disadvantaged communities, and expanding access to education and resources for those most in need.

Virginia is blessed with nine children, many more whom she has raised as her own, and 19 grandchildren. Affectionately called “International Mummy” by her children around the world, she is known for her generosity of heart, her love of travel, her devotion to God, and her service in the church. Her work, faith, and compassion continue to inspire and will impact future generations through the foundation’s mission.