FIC Report (Edo State) – The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has launched a ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund aimed at strengthening infrastructure, research, innovation and academic excellence, with stakeholders calling for broader partnerships to advance higher education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Fund in Benin City, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, stressed that the growing demands of tertiary education require collaborative support from government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners and friends of the institution.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Oshorenua Musa, the Governor stated that sustainable university development cannot be achieved through government funding alone. “The government alone cannot fund the growing needs of higher education. Sustainable universities are built through partnerships among government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners and friends of the institution,” he said.
Describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, the Governor noted that the Trust Development Fund would enhance the University’s capacity to produce leaders, innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs capable of driving national and continental development. “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 added.
Musa conveyed the Governor’s apology for his unavoidable absence, noting that he would have personally attended the event because of 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, with a distinguished record spanning more than five decades in academic excellence, research, innovation and the production of highly skilled graduates.
Highlighting Edo State Government’s commitment to tertiary education, he disclosed that monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University had increased from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, while funding for Edo State University, Iyamho, had risen from ₦100 million to ₦250 million. He added that the administration had continued to address longstanding academic challenges while investing in infrastructure, research and human capital development.
According to him, these interventions reflect the government’s recognition of higher education as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.
The Governor called on corporate organisations, distinguished alumni, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Trust Development Fund, noting that investments in education yield long-term benefits for national development. “Every investment made today is an investment in knowledge, innovation, national development and future generations,” he stated.
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 it as a visionary initiative deserving broad-based support.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, the Governor said the state government would continue to support initiatives that promote learning, research, innovation and institutional excellence.
He congratulated the University of Benin on the successful launch of the ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund and expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen the institution’s global competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Signed:
Daniel Ejodamen
FIC, Benin City
July 6, 2026
