By Rosemary Okoduwa
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on corporate organisations, alumni, philanthropists and development partners to support the University of Benin’s ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund, stressing that government alone cannot meet the increasing funding demands of higher education in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Governor Okpebholo made the appeal at the inaugural launch of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund in Benin City, where he described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of education and national development.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Oshorenua Musa, the governor said sustainable universities are built through strong partnerships involving government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners and friends of the institution.
“The government alone cannot fund the growing needs of higher education. Sustainable universities are built through partnerships among the government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners and friends of the institution,” he said.
He noted that the launch of the Trust Development Fund was not merely about raising funds, but about securing the future of generations yet unborn through quality education.
“Today is not merely about launching a fund; it is about investing in the future. It is about building a stronger University of Benin that will continue to produce the leaders, innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs who will shape the destiny of Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Musa apologised for the governor’s unavoidable absence, said Senator Okpebholo would have personally attended the event because the initiative aligns with his administration’s unwavering commitment to education and human capital development.
He described the University of Benin as one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of higher learning, noting that for more than five decades it has distinguished itself in academic excellence, research, innovation and the production of outstanding graduates.
Highlighting the administration’s investment in tertiary education, the governor said the monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University had been increased from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, while funding for Edo State University, Iyamho, rose from ₦100 million to ₦250 million.
He added that the administration has also addressed long-standing academic challenges, improved funding for tertiary institutions and continued to invest in infrastructure, research and human capital development.
“These actions reflect the Government’s firm belief that a strong higher education system is essential for economic growth, innovation and the future prosperity of our state,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo urged corporate organisations, distinguished alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute generously to the Trust Development Fund, describing every donation as an investment in knowledge, innovation and national development.
“Every investment made today is an investment in knowledge, innovation, national development and future generations,” he said.
He commended the University’s Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, the Board of the Trust Development Fund, alumni and other stakeholders for conceiving the initiative, describing it as “a visionary project that deserves the support of all.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, the governor said his government would continue to support initiatives that strengthen learning, research, innovation and institutional excellence.
“We believe that education remains the greatest investment any society can make, and we will continue to support initiatives that strengthen learning, research, innovation and institutional excellence.”
He congratulated the University of Benin on the successful launch of the Trust Development Fund and expressed confidence that the initiative would position the institution among the world’s leading universities.
“Together, let us build a university that will continue to compete with the very best in the world,” he said.
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