Kingsley Ohens reporting

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on corporate organisations, alumni associations, philanthropists, development partners and other stakeholders to support the University of Benin’s newly launched ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund, stressing that government alone cannot adequately meet the increasing financial demands of higher education in Nigeria.

The governor made the call during the inaugural launch of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund held in Benin City, where he underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in building sustainable and globally competitive institutions of higher learning.

Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Oshorenua Musa, Governor Okpebholo described the establishment of the fund as a visionary initiative and a strategic investment in the future of education, innovation and national development.

“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,” the governor stated.

He emphasized that the launch of the Trust Development Fund transcends fundraising, describing it as a collective commitment to strengthening the University of Benin’s capacity to produce future leaders, innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs who will shape the destiny of Nigeria and the African continent.

“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.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Alhaji Musa conveyed Governor Okpebholo’s regrets over his inability to attend the event personally, noting that the governor would have gladly identified with the initiative because of its alignment 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, with a distinguished record spanning more than five decades in academic excellence, research, innovation and the production of outstanding graduates.

Highlighting the Edo State Government’s investments in tertiary education, Musa disclosed that the administration had increased the monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, while funding for Edo State University, Iyamho, had been raised from ₦100 million to ₦250 million.

According to him, the administration has also addressed long-standing challenges within the tertiary education sector, improved institutional funding and sustained investments 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 further appealed to corporate organisations, distinguished alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute generously to the Trust Development Fund, stressing that investments in education yield enduring benefits for society.

“Every investment made today is an investment in knowledge, innovation, national development and future generations,” he stated.

The governor commended the University’s Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, the Board of the Trust Development Fund, the alumni community and other stakeholders for conceiving and driving the initiative, describing the fund as “a visionary project that deserves the support of all.”

Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, Governor Okpebholo maintained that education remains the greatest investment any society can make.

“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 said.

He congratulated the University of Benin on the successful launch of the Trust Development Fund and expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance the institution’s global competitiveness and position among the world’s leading universities.

“Together, let us build a university that will continue to compete with the very best in the world,” the governor concluded.

The statement was made available by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, on Sunday, July 5, 2026.