UNIBEN Taps Pastor Ize-Iyamu to Head Development Fund Board, Targets Major Infrastructural, Academic Projects
Hendrix Oliomogbe
In its quest to reposition the University of Benin (UNIBEN), authorities of the tertiary institution have instituted a Trust Development Fund Board of Trustees to carry out major Infrastructural and academic projects.
The Trustee under the chairmanship of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is saddled with the responsibility of mobilizing and sourcing for fund for the development of the tertiary institution.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Shuaibu Umaru, said the tertiary institution has made history being the first university to establish and inaugurate a trust development fund in the country
Prof. Umaru said the fund was born out of the idea that institutions all over the world need to harvest their largest asset which undoubtedly is the alumna.
He noted that it is a global practice that alumna of universities are given opportunity to take part in supporting the university in terms of funding, adding that UNIBEN is fortunate to have one of the largest alumna in the country.
The chairman remarked that the authorities decided to set up the development trust fund as an official structure to harness its vast resources from the alumna and give them space to contribute meaningfully in institution development, adding:
"That's why, we initiated the idea of having a trust fund where alumna, prominent people, reliable people are chosen to spearhead this initiative."
Prof. Umaru lauded President Bola Tinubu for initiating different policies, that have directly touched the lives and supported the education of students.
He said: "One of such policies, is NELFUND, without which many children would not have been educated. Today, through the fund, they can pay school fees and get quality education."
He called on the people and well meaning individuals as well as the host community to support the fund to enable it achieve it objectives.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, said the initiative was borne out of his strong desire to leave the institution far better than he met it in terms of infrastructure development and academic excellence.
Prof. Edoba noted that the networking has become imperative in view of the fact that government alone can not bear the burden of funding, hence the institution inaugurated the trustee primarily to source fund from alumna and enhancing stakeholders' participation to drive the university’s innovation and development agenda
The vice chancellor disclosed that a database of all alumna of the institution is being designed to ensure a seamless access by alumni who are its greatest asset to drive success and transform the institution.
Prof. Omoregie said the 15 member board would work with the institution's management to identify the infrastructure need of the university
He added: "The board will partner with alumna, organisation and friends of the university to mobilize resources for capital and academic projects in the university, support, faculty development, through sponsorship, research, training, and exploring mentorship programs at all faculties.
"The fund will also sponsor scholarship, grants provide welfare assistance to indigent students. Under my watch as vice chancellor, I am committed to diligently and successfully pursuing this objective for total transformation of the university."
Speaking on behalf of the other board members, Pastor Ize-Iyamu assured that the team will support the school to achieve its goals, guided by the priority needs of the university.
Against the backdrop of the fact that government alone cannot fund the needs of the university, he noted that the initiative is going to be a stop gap that will complement the funding.
He assured: "We would mobilize resources. UNIBEN has produced so many great men and women here and abroad. We intend to reach out to as many of them as possible."
He however called on past students of the institution to support the trustee to enable actualize the dream of the university.
The registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola said that the board reflected both the federal government and the university's resolve to diversify funding sources to ensure that the institution remains a beckon of knowledge, research and community service.
Other members of the board are Prince Richard Ahonaruogho, the secretary; Emmanuel Oriazuwa; Alexander Eronmwon; Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor; and Kingsley Jesuorobo.
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