UNIBEN unveils N100bn development fund to upgrade infrastructure, research

The University of Benin on Saturday launched a N100bn Trust Development Fund to provide quality infrastructure, strengthen teaching and learning, and expand research capacity.

Speaking as the special guest of honour at the launch, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative aligns perfectly with the Federal Ministry of Education’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which, he added, seeks to reposition education through innovation, strategic partnerships, improved governance, quality assurance, digital transformation, expanded access and sustainable financing.

The minister, who was represented by the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, noted that “every investment or donation made is an investment in the future of our nation, our youth and the generations yet unborn.”

He expressed optimism that together, Nigerians can build institutions that are financially resilient, academically excellent, technologically advanced and globally competitive.

He, therefore, called on other universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, alumni bodies, corporate organisations, philanthropists and friends of education across Nigeria to emulate the initiative.

In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said as the university’s population continues to grow, its needs have also multiplied, making it necessary to establish a development fund to cater to the increasing demands.

Fashola, an alumnus of the institution, told alumni and other donors that the fundraising exercise was their contribution towards ensuring that the mission of the university’s founders endures.

The Chief Host and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, said the government alone cannot fund the growing needs of higher education in the country, calling on corporate organisations, distinguished alumni and individuals to contribute generously to the fund.

“Sustainable universities are built through partnerships among government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners and friends of the institution.

“The establishment of this Trust Development Fund is therefore a visionary initiative that deserves the support of all. Every investment made today is an investment in knowledge, innovation, national development and future generations,” Okpebholo added.

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Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Trust Development Fund, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, described the UNIBEN Trust Development Fund as a strategic platform to complement public investment, mobilise additional resources, foster innovation, strengthen partnerships and create a sustainable pathway for institutional transformation.

Ize-Iyamu noted that while government support remains indispensable, the demands of 21st-century higher education require sustainable partnerships with alumni, philanthropists, corporate organisations, foundations and development partners.

He said the N100bn launch was more than a fundraising exercise, describing it as a declaration of confidence in the university’s future and the collective determination to pursue excellence without compromise.

He added, “Through this fund, we will strengthen teaching and learning, expand research capacity, modernise infrastructure, advance digital transformation, promote entrepreneurship, support innovation, enrich the student experience and position the university among globally competitive institutions.

“We assure every donor, partner, alumnus and friend of this great institution that the fund will be administered with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, integrity and responsible stewardship.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Omoregie Edoba (SAN), described the launch as “a strategic move to change the face of the university and place it on a higher pedestal in the global academic community.”

Edoba said, “The fund is envisaged to address the huge funding pressures resulting from increased enrolment in our university, leading to overstretched infrastructure. It will also help the university tackle issues of limited research financing in the face of rapid technological advancement and transformation, among other pressing needs.”

The Vice-Chancellor assured stakeholders that all donations would be properly accounted for and transparently utilised.

The fund was unveiled earlier in May, when the committee assured that individuals, institutions, alumni and friends of the university would all be involved in the fundraising initiative.