Education minister Tunji Alausa has lauded the University of Benin’s proposed N100 billion Trust Development Fund.

Mr Alausa lauded the initiative when a high-powered delegation from the university visited the minister to brief him on the forthcoming launch of the fund and formally invite him to the event.

According to a statement by the university’s spokeswoman, Benedicta Ehanire, on Friday in Benin, the delegation comprised the pro-chancellor, Umaru Shuaibu.

Other members included the chairman of the board of trustees of the UNIBEN Trust Development Fund (UNIBEN-TDF), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and the vice-chancellor, Edoba Omoregie.

The minister also commended the university management for the trust fund, describing it as a bold and laudable initiative.

He, however, requested that invitations be extended to other pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors across the country to witness the launch.

The minister thanked the delegation for the visit and pledged to attend the event.

Earlier, Mr Ize-Iyamu, who chairs the trustees, explained to the minister that the initiative was conceived in response to the minister’s earlier challenge to vice-chancellors to mobilise alumni and other stakeholders to support the sustainable development of tertiary institutions.

“The vice-chancellor, Prof Omoregie, took on the minister’s challenge to vice-chancellors to mobilise alumni and other stakeholders to support their various universities for sustainable development,” he said.

The pro-chancellor, Mr Shuaibu, on behalf of the university’s governing council, also appreciated the minister for his efforts at transforming Nigeria’s education sector.

“This project has the support of the University of Benin Governing Council, and your presence will be a great boost to the initiative,” Mr Shaibu said. 

(NAN)