Okpebholo seeks wider support as UNIBEN launches ₦100bn Trust Development Fund

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, saying the government alone cannot meet the growing funding needs of higher education in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the Trust Development Fund in Benin City, he said: “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,” Okpebholo said.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Oshorenua Musa, the governor described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future, saying it would strengthen the University of Benin’s ability to produce leaders, innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs.

“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 who apologized for the governor’s unavoidable absence said he would have loved to identify personally with the initiative because it aligns with his administration’s 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 it had, for more than five decades, distinguished itself in academic excellence, research, innovation and the production of outstanding graduates.

Highlighting the Edo State Government’s administration’s investment in tertiary education he 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 said the government had 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.

He urged corporate organisations, distinguished alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute generously to the Trust Development Fund.

“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 initiating the project, describing the fund as “a visionary initiative that deserves the support of all.”

He then reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting education, saying, “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 launch of the Trust Development Fund and expressed confidence that it would help 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.