UNIBEN Targets N100bn Through Alumni, Stakeholder Partnership Initiative

The chairman of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Trust Development Fund Board of Trustees, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has called on alumni and stakeholders of the institution to support the university’s proposed N100 billion Trust Development Fund aimed at transforming infrastructure and academic development.

Ize-Iyamu made the appeal during a press briefing in Benin City ahead of the official launch of the fund scheduled for July 4, 2026, noting that globally respected institutions have continued to thrive through alumni support, partnerships, and diversified funding sources.

According to him, the initiative was conceived to establish a sustainable financial framework capable of supporting excellence in teaching, research, technology, entrepreneurship, and human capital development at the University of Benin.

He said, “It is this evolving reality that drives the vision behind the University of Benin Trust Development Fund. Our mission is clear — to establish an enduring financial and development framework that will continuously empower the University of Benin to deliver excellence in teaching, research, infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship and human capital development that future generations will be proud to inherit.”

The former Edo State governorship candidate stressed that institutions that record remarkable progress are those that diversify their sources of funding, build enduring partnerships, embrace technology, and establish adaptable institutional systems.

He further urged UNIBEN alumni across the world to actively participate in the initiative, noting that higher institutions in developed countries have sustained growth largely through strong alumni contributions and strategic collaborations.

Also speaking, the vice chancellor of the university, Edoba Omoregie, said the idea for the Trust Development Fund was initiated by the university management after discovering the extent of infrastructural decay and financial challenges confronting the institution.

Omoregie said, “When I took office as vice chancellor, I visited facilities at the Ugbowo and Ekenwa campuses and discovered rapid decay in infrastructure. Our finances were in a shambolic state and we could barely pay electricity bills.

“We then began to explore alternative sources of funding and public support. What we are witnessing today is the establishment of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund, an ambitious drive to raise N100 billion to boost infrastructural development, drive innovation, enhance academic programmes and improve the overall student experience.”