Education Minister praises UNIBEN’s ₦100 billion funding plan

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has praised the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for its planned ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund (UNIBEN-TDF). He called the fund a “bold and laudable” move toward better funding for higher education.

Mr Alausa showed his support during a visit from the university’s team, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Shuaib Umaru. They came to update him on the upcoming launch of the fund.

The delegation included Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the UNIBEN-TDF, Vice-Chancellor Edoba Omoregie, and Public Relations Officer Benedicta Ehanire.

The minister praised the university management for this initiative. He said it fits with his earlier request to vice-chancellors to rally alumni and other supporters for the growth of higher education.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omoregie, accepted the minister’s challenge to engage alumni and other supporters for the development of their universities,” Mr Ize-Iyamu shared during the meeting.

Mr Alausa promised to be at the launch. He also encouraged the university leaders to invite other pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors from across the country to witness this event.

Speaking for the Governing Council, Mr Umaru thanked the minister for his ongoing work to improve Nigeria’s education system.

“This project has the full support of the University of Benin Governing Council, and your presence will significantly help this initiative,” Mr Umaru, a professor, said.

The UNIBEN-TDF was registered as a non-profit, non-political group by the Corporate Affairs Commission in June 2025. Its goal is to gather funds from alumni and private partners to support building and academic projects, ensuring the university's long-term financial stability.