Six Months After Inauguration, the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF) Delivers on Mandate as they Launch โฆ100 Billion Fund
Just six months after the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF), they have began delivering palpably on their mandate. Their first task of officially launching its ambitious yet timely โฆ100 billion target has been actualised as part of the UNIBENTDF's BoT marking a significant milestone in the institution's drive towards financial sustainability and global competitiveness.
This landmark, first of its kind fundraising ceremony took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Akin Deko Auditorium, Ugbowo Main Campus of UNIBEN in Benin City. The event attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, captains of industry, distinguished alumni, traditional rulers, development partners, corporate organisations, members of the university community, staff, students and friends of the institution, all united in support of the university's vision for sustainable development.
Chairing the occasion was His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, former Governor of Lagos State, former two-time Minister of Works, and a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin. In his keynote remarks, Fashola who stated how everyone that passes through the institution has a unique experience and with each their "UNIBEN Story", described the initiative as a defining moment in the history of the university, stressing that alumni have a responsibility to preserve and strengthen the institution that shaped their lives. He encouraged graduates of the university across the world to invest in the future of their alma mater, noting that sustainable universities are built through the collective commitment of their alumni and other stakeholders.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, said the UNIBENTDF represents a bold response to the financial realities facing public universities in Nigeria. According to him, government subventions alone can no longer meet the growing demands of quality teaching, research, innovation and infrastructure development. He explained that the university established the fund, which was a first of its kind in Nigeria to create a permanent source of support for strategic projects that will benefit future generations.
Professor Omoregie disclosed that the university has over 350,000 alumni worldwide and expressed confidence that broad participation from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners would make the โฆ100 billion target achievable. He noted that if 250,000 alumni each contribute โฆ100,000, the university would realise โฆ25 billion towards the target.
Chairman of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Esq, described the initiative as more than a fundraising exercise. According to him, it is a declaration of confidence in the future of the University of Benin and a commitment to building an institution that will compete with the best universities in the world. He assured donors that the fund would be managed with transparency, accountability and integrity while delivering projects that will have lasting impact on the university community.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, represented by Prof. Joe Ahaneku former Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja at the event, commended the University of Benin for embracing an innovative funding model that aligns with the Federal Government's vision for sustainable financing of tertiary education. He urged alumni, philanthropists, private organisations and development partners to support the initiative, describing every contribution as an investment in the future of Nigeria.
Also present was the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin, who called for stronger collaboration between government, alumni and the private sector to secure the future of higher education. The Minister had in his entourage, leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) inclusive of the Chairman, Chief Chiedu Ebie, Dr Samuel Ogbuku the Managing Director and other Directors. Their promise of a 650-room hostel and upgrading of the internal roads within the campuses is remarkable.
His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo the Governor of Edo State and Chief Host of this history making event, reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting educational institutions that promotes excellence, innovation and human capital development. In the Governor's address delivered by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, he made it clear that his value for education was unparalleled, a phenomenon exemplified by his swift increase of subventions to both Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and the Edo State University, Iyamho. Just like Governor Samuel Ogbemudia who founded the University of Benin whose legacy we build on now, Edo State will always champion education. He commended the visionary work and determination of the UNIBENTDF BoT.
Other distinguished guests included representatives of Access Holdings Plc led by a celebrated alumnus, renowned banker and philanthropist, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, FCIB who was the Chief Launcher, represented by Mr. David Aluko, Director, Government and Federal Capital Relations, Coronation Group have pledged a project that will make UNIBEN the envy of other institutions across the country.
The presence of members of the University's Governing Council led by the Chairman, Professor Shuaib Umaru, members of the Senate, captains of industry, traditional rulers, distinguished alumni, development partners and friends of the university reflected the broad national support for the University's vision of becoming a financially sustainable and globally competitive institution.
The โฆ100 billion will finance transformational projects across the university, including modern student hostels, research laboratories, innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, digital infrastructure, a world-class library, sports and recreational facilities, transportation systems, conference facilities, agricultural research projects and other income-generating ventures that will improve learning while strengthening the university's long-term financial sustainability.
The event also witnessed strong commitments from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners through cash donations and multi-project support, further demonstrating widespread confidence in the leadership and future of the UNIBENTDF.
Leading the alumni community was the President Worldwide of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Barr. Emmanuel Oriazuwa, who doubles as a member of the BoT. Other members of the UBAA Executive Committee, Chairmen of Branches, Distinguished Alumni and members of the association were present. Present also were leaders of the diaspora branches of the association; Professor Tony Agbonasevbaefe, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association of the United Kingdom (UBAAUK) and Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA).
Other UNIBENTDF BoT members present were; Mr. Alexander Imuetinyan Eronmwon (former President of UBAANA), Dr. (Mrs) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor (former President of UBAAUK and pioneer Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency), Kingsley Jesuorobo Esq. from Canada who leads the audit committee of the UNIBENTDF and the secretary of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN were also on hand at this historic event.
The successful launch stands as a remarkable achievement for the University of Benin. Within only six months of the inauguration of the UNIBENTDF BoT, the university has transformed an ambitious vision into reality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and impactful university funding in Nigeria. The initiative is expected to strengthen infrastructure, enhance research and innovation, improve student welfare, expand partnerships and position the University of Benin among Africa's leading centres of excellence for teaching, learning and research.
The UNIBENTDF BoT jointly expressed certainty that the 4th of July 2026 event remains a catalyst for more to come. The race is a marathon and not a sprint, a journey in accontability and transparency where the goal is to ensure that the children of the common man can get educated as we build future generations together.
https://trustfund.uniben.edu
#UNIBENTDF
Six Months After Inauguration, the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF) Delivers on Mandate as they Launch โฆ100 Billion FundJust six months after the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF), they have began delivering palpably on their mandate. Their first task of officially launching its ambitious yet timely โฆ100 billion target has been actualised as part of the UNIBENTDF's BoT marking a significant milestone in the institution's drive towards financial sustainability and global competitiveness.This landmark, first of its kind fundraising ceremony took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Akin Deko Auditorium, Ugbowo Main Campus of UNIBEN in Benin City. The event attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, captains of industry, distinguished alumni, traditional rulers, development partners, corporate organisations, members of the university community, staff, students and friends of the institution, all united in support of the university's vision for sustainable development.Chairing the occasion was His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, former Governor of Lagos State, former two-time Minister of Works, and a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin. In his keynote remarks, Fashola who stated how everyone that passes through the institution has a unique experience and with each their "UNIBEN Story", described the initiative as a defining moment in the history of the university, stressing that alumni have a responsibility to preserve and strengthen the institution that shaped their lives. He encouraged graduates of the university across the world to invest in the future of their alma mater, noting that sustainable universities are built through the collective commitment of their alumni and other stakeholders.The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, said the UNIBENTDF represents a bold response to the financial realities facing public universities in Nigeria. According to him, government subventions alone can no longer meet the growing demands of quality teaching, research, innovation and infrastructure development. He explained that the university established the fund, which was a first of its kind in Nigeria to create a permanent source of support for strategic projects that will benefit future generations.Professor Omoregie disclosed that the university has over 350,000 alumni worldwide and expressed confidence that broad participation from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners would make the โฆ100 billion target achievable. He noted that if 250,000 alumni each contribute โฆ100,000, the university would realise โฆ25 billion towards the target.Chairman of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Esq, described the initiative as more than a fundraising exercise. According to him, it is a declaration of confidence in the future of the University of Benin and a commitment to building an institution that will compete with the best universities in the world. He assured donors that the fund would be managed with transparency, accountability and integrity while delivering projects that will have lasting impact on the university community.The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, represented by Prof. Joe Ahaneku former Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja at the event, commended the University of Benin for embracing an innovative funding model that aligns with the Federal Government's vision for sustainable financing of tertiary education. He urged alumni, philanthropists, private organisations and development partners to support the initiative, describing every contribution as an investment in the future of Nigeria.Also present was the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin, who called for stronger collaboration between government, alumni and the private sector to secure the future of higher education. The Minister had in his entourage, leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) inclusive of the Chairman, Chief Chiedu Ebie, Dr Samuel Ogbuku the Managing Director and other Directors. Their promise of a 650-room hostel and upgrading of the internal roads within the campuses is remarkable. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo the Governor of Edo State and Chief Host of this history making event, reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting educational institutions that promotes excellence, innovation and human capital development. In the Governor's address delivered by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, he made it clear that his value for education was unparalleled, a phenomenon exemplified by his swift increase of subventions to both Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and the Edo State University, Iyamho. Just like Governor Samuel Ogbemudia who founded the University of Benin whose legacy we build on now, Edo State will always champion education. He commended the visionary work and determination of the UNIBENTDF BoT.Other distinguished guests included representatives of Access Holdings Plc led by a celebrated alumnus, renowned banker and philanthropist, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, FCIB who was the Chief Launcher, represented by Mr. David Aluko, Director, Government and Federal Capital Relations, Coronation Group have pledged a project that will make UNIBEN the envy of other institutions across the country. The presence of members of the University's Governing Council led by the Chairman, Professor Shuaib Umaru, members of the Senate, captains of industry, traditional rulers, distinguished alumni, development partners and friends of the university reflected the broad national support for the University's vision of becoming a financially sustainable and globally competitive institution.The โฆ100 billion will finance transformational projects across the university, including modern student hostels, research laboratories, innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, digital infrastructure, a world-class library, sports and recreational facilities, transportation systems, conference facilities, agricultural research projects and other income-generating ventures that will improve learning while strengthening the university's long-term financial sustainability.The event also witnessed strong commitments from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners through cash donations and multi-project support, further demonstrating widespread confidence in the leadership and future of the UNIBENTDF. Leading the alumni community was the President Worldwide of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Barr. Emmanuel Oriazuwa, who doubles as a member of the BoT. Other members of the UBAA Executive Committee, Chairmen of Branches, Distinguished Alumni and members of the association were present. Present also were leaders of the diaspora branches of the association; Professor Tony Agbonasevbaefe, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association of the United Kingdom (UBAAUK) and Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA).Other UNIBENTDF BoT members present were; Mr. Alexander Imuetinyan Eronmwon (former President of UBAANA), Dr. (Mrs) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor (former President of UBAAUK and pioneer Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency), Kingsley Jesuorobo Esq. from Canada who leads the audit committee of the UNIBENTDF and the secretary of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN were also on hand at this historic event.The successful launch stands as a remarkable achievement for the University of Benin. Within only six months of the inauguration of the UNIBENTDF BoT, the university has transformed an ambitious vision into reality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and impactful university funding in Nigeria. The initiative is expected to strengthen infrastructure, enhance research and innovation, improve student welfare, expand partnerships and position the University of Benin among Africa's leading centres of excellence for teaching, learning and research.The UNIBENTDF BoT jointly expressed certainty that the 4th of July 2026 event remains a catalyst for more to come. The race is a marathon and not a sprint, a journey in accontability and transparency where the goal is to ensure that the children of the common man can get educated as we build future generations together.https://trustfund.uniben.edu#UNIBENTDF
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