On February 2, 2026, Miva Open University, Abuja, proudly hosted the launch of Project Bloom, a groundbreaking student-led initiative by Fohetofu aimed at empowering female students with access to emergency sanitary pads and menstrual health education. Led by Miva student Tejere Francis, the program reflects the university’s commitment to innovation, social impact, and creating real-world solutions for its students.
Project Bloom is a perfect example of how Miva encourages students to tackle real challenges on campus. From conception to execution, Tejere and her peers have turned a personal experience into a movement addressing period poverty and stigma. The university celebrated this initiative as a demonstration of its ethos: empowering students to take charge, lead with empathy, and create solutions that matter.
“Project Bloom is about ensuring every student can study with confidence and dignity,” Tejere said during the launch. “No one should have to miss a class or feel embarrassed because they don’t have access to basic menstrual supplies.”
Miva faculty and administrators echoed this sentiment. Dr. Aisha Bello, Dean of Public Health, remarked, “This initiative embodies the Miva spirit: learning by doing and applying knowledge to create positive social impact. We are proud to see our students champion menstrual equity on campus.”
What Project Bloom Offers
Project Bloom focuses on three core areas:
Emergency Pad Access: Free pads are distributed through strategically placed dispensers across campus, ensuring students are never caught unprepared.
Menstrual Health Education: Workshops and interactive sessions teach students about menstrual hygiene, cycle tracking, and self-care, breaking stigma and fostering awareness.
Dignity and Confidence: Through open dialogue and peer support, the initiative promotes a positive, empowered approach to menstruation.
By combining practical support with education, Project Bloom addresses both the material and emotional challenges of period poverty, setting a new standard for student-driven health initiatives in Nigeria.
The launch brought together students, faculty, and partners including PadUp Africa and local wellness organizations, highlighting how collaboration can amplify social change. The event was filled with energy, engagement, and a shared sense of purpose, emphasizing that menstrual equity is a priority for both education and community well-being.
Dr. Bello concluded, “Miva students are not just learning in the classroom; they are shaping the future of health and education in Nigeria. Project Bloom shows what’s possible when students are supported to lead meaningful initiatives.”
Project Bloom is just the beginning. Miva encourages students, alumni, and the wider community to support the initiative through volunteering, donating pads, or helping raise awareness. Every contribution helps ensure that no girl is held back by her period.
“A period should never be a barrier to education or dignity,” said Tejere, inviting everyone to get involved and help every girl bloom.
Follow Fohetofu for updates and ways to participate: Instagram: @fohetofu
Email: fohetofu@gmail.com
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