Ize-Iyamu heads UNIBEN Trust Development Fund
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has been inaugurated as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has been inaugurated as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBEN-TDF).
UNIBEN is the first institution in the country to set up the TDF.
In his remark, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, explained that the TDF was different from the already existing University Endowment Fund.
Prof. Omoregie said the Endowment Fund was directed towards routine maintenance of infrastructure and other needs, but that the UNIBEN-TDF would be used for specific capital projects for the University and in perpetuity.
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The UNIBEN VC said the Board of Trustees comprised some of the highly committed Alumni that have been trusted and tested with leadership responsibilities.
He said their commitment was not in doubt, saying it was expected to leave an enduring legacy of project execution even after his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
He said the Ize-Iyamu-led Board is expected to work with the University Management to identify infrastructure and academic needs of the institution as well as forge partnerships with alumni, organizations, and friends of the University in order to mobilise resources for capital and academic projects in the University.
"They are to support faculty development through sponsorship of research, training, and to encourage mentorship programmes across the faculties.
"Under my watch as Vice Chancellor, we are committed to diligently and successfully pursuing these objectives for the total transformation of the University.
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"The alumni are the backbone of the university, being major stakeholders. I am happy that the leadership of the alumni is in agreement that the time has come for the birth of the Trust Development Fund, which will benefit their alma mater and be a source of perpetual pride to all of us.
Pro-Chancellor of the institution l, Professor Shuaib Umaru, said the Board of Trustees was set up out of the idea that the University needed to harvest the largest assets of the institution, which is the Alumni.
"It is a global practice that Alumni of the University are given the opportunity to take part in supporting universities in terms of funding. UNIBEN is fortunate to have one of the largest Alumni in the country
"In order to give them space to contribute meaningfully, we now initiate the idea of having a Trust Fund where prominent people are chosen to spearhead this initiative."
On his part, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said what was important was to support the University to achieve its goals.
He said the Board would be guided by the priorities of the universities.
"We are not going to act in isolation. Very soon, we are going to meet with them and get their shopping list. The government alone can't fund the needs of universities. We are going to be a stopgap to complement the funding and give all the support we can. Luckily, the Vice Chancellor is part of the Committee. With him there, we will be guided on priority projects of the University, and by the time we have them, we will be guided on how much we need. Our target depends on the project we have from time to time. By the grace of God, we will mobilise resources and see it done. We intend to reach out to as many great men as possible."
Other members of the Board of Trustees included Richard Ahonaruogho, who is to serve as Secretary, amongst others.
