The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State has break a new ground with the historic inauguration of Trust Development Fund, which will among other objectives, create access to opportunities and tackle funding challenges and bridge infrastructure gaps in the University.
A team of eminent personalities — include Dr Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Dr Richard O. Ahonaruogho, SAN will lead the pack of 350,000 UNIBEN Alumni worldwide, as chairman and Secretary of the Incorporated Board Trustees, while Emmanuel Oriazuwa, Esq, Mr Alexander I. Eronmwon, Dr Lauretta Ogboro-Okor and Kingsley Jesurobo, Esq
will serve as members.
Delivering his address during the the launch on Monday, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, revealed that the institution has started developing a portal of the University’s Alumni worldwide to drive financial sustainability that would outlive his administration.
He dubbed the initiative as transformative that sets will the institution apart from other like Oxford University in the United Kingdom, and drew a distinction between the University of Benin Endowment Fund and Trust Development Fund, noting that Research, training, scholarships, welfare assistance for staffers and indigent students of the institution, will receive urgent attention.
“Under my watch, we are committed to diligently pursuing these objectives for the total transformation of the University,” according to the Vice Chancellor who stated that the education minister, Tunji Alausa, had endorsed alternative funding models for Universities.
Pro-Chancellor, Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Benin, Prof. Shuaibu Umoru, proclaimed the newly inaugurated 15-member Board, to serve with dedication and faithfulness
as the moral compass of the initiative in discharging their duties.
Responding, Dr Osagie Ize-Iyamu on behalf of members of the team, admitted that he is fully conscious of the responsibility before the Board, and promised to undertake their obligation with solemn commitment in the development agenda.
“This Board shall not only be symbolic; it shall be strangic. It shall not be passive; it shall be purposeful. It shall not merely exist; it shall perform. Our mandate is clear; to mobilize resources, inspire confidence, and safeguard the credibility of this institution.
“To our donors and partners, let me be clear: Transparency will be our shield and accountability will be our compass, according to the Board chairman who recommended that distinguished founding fathers and other Nigerians who made remarkable contributions towards the development of the tertiary institution should be immortalized in the institution’s Hall of Fame.
Ize-Iyamu who was flanked by his wife, and Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Prof. (Mrs) India Nibikun Ize-Iyamu, said “to our 350,000-strong Alumni across the globe, you are the living proof of UNIBEN’s Excellence”.
The event, which was moderated by
the spokesperson of the University, Dr (Mrs) Benedicta Ehanire, also featured goodwill messages delivered by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, and Alumni, Worldwide, the
President of UNIBEN , Osasere Osifo, represented by Prof. Eddy Erhagbe, both pledged their support to the feat, and expressed solidarity in clear teams.
