Abubakar Momoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, has reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education and institutional sustainability, as he received a delegation from the University of Benin Trust Development Fund in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Osagie Ize-Iyamu and included the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edoba Bright Omoregie, the President of the University of Benin Alumni Association Worldwide, Emmanuel Olakunle Oriazuwa, and Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the minister on progress made in mobilising support for the Trust Development Fund, an initiative designed to create a sustainable financial platform to enhance the university’s growth and global competitiveness. They said the mobilisation campaign began in Lagos, where they met with prominent alumni and supporters, including Babatunde Raji Fashola, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Luke Hakem Bello-Osagie, and Daisy Danjuma.
The team noted that their visit to Momoh was their first engagement in Abuja, citing his longstanding ties to the university as a distinguished alumnus and his influence in public service. They also thanked the minister for facilitating the installation of solar-powered street lights across the UNIBEN campus, an intervention they said has improved safety and nighttime visibility.
In response, Momoh commended the vision behind the Trust Development Fund and described it as a forward-looking initiative capable of strengthening the university’s long-term development. He pledged continued support in mobilising stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and expanding the university’s funding base.
The delegation also announced that the official launch of the UNIBEN Trust Development Fund is scheduled for June, a move expected to attract wider support from alumni, corporate organisations, and partners both within Nigeria and internationally.
The meeting highlighted the growing role of strategic collaboration between alumni, institutional leadership, and national stakeholders in building a stronger and globally competitive University of Benin.
