The Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced thirteen grants totaling more than $9 million to promote human rights, strengthen higher education, and advance young people's reproductive health and rights in Nigeria.

Eight grants totaling nearly $1.7 million were awarded for human rights activities such as strengthening human rights organizations and linking them with international counterparts; supporting Nigeria's legal infrastructure through activities designed to improve the country's constitution and laws; and addressing police reform. In addition, two grants totaling $6.4 million were awarded to Bayero University and the University of Ibadan, while three grants totaling more than $800,000 were awarded to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people.

"For fifteen years, the MacArthur Foundation has supported dedicated citizens taking responsibility for Nigeria's future," said foundation president Jonathan Fanton. "The grants we announce today will nurture the country's growing civil society. Whether addressing human rights, higher education, or reproductive health, these groups and institutions are helping make Nigeria's democracy stronger and more vibrant."

In related news, the foundation announced three grants totaling $850,000 to help reduce maternal mortality and improve young people's access to information and services about reproductive and sexual health and rights in India.