The University of Benin Development Trust Fund (UNIBENTDF) which was inaugurated in February of this year, has officially unveiled a digitally interactive web portal with donation capabilities as well as a N100 billion Naira launch planned for 4th of July 2026. All of these along side collaborations with willing investors across multiple sectors are aimed at transforming the institution’s infrastructure and strengthening its sustainable financial independence for the future.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Benin City, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, explained that the initiative was created by the university’s management team after studying successful self-funding models adopted by top universities around the world.
According to him, the project is designed to reposition UNIBEN as a self-sustaining institution capable of funding major developmental projects without relying heavily on government subventions.
He revealed that the fund would support the construction of several landmark projects across the university, including a modern library, state of the art student hostels, a world-class hotel and conference centre, sports and recreational facilities, as well as a standard abattoir equipped with agricultural research laboratories for not just the staff and students, but for the wider Edo State and Nigerian society.
Prof. Omoregie noted that the projects would improve the overall learning environment while also creating employment opportunities and generating long-term revenue for both the institution and surrounding communities.
Reflecting on the current state of some facilities within the university, the Vice Chancellor stated that the management inherited deteriorating hostels and significant electricity-related liabilities, making the need for sustainable development more urgent.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the UNIBENTDF, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, described the initiative as a major milestone in the university’s journey toward becoming a globally competitive and enterprise-driven institution.
He sincerely thanked other BOT members not present (Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho SAN; Emmanuel Oriazuwa Esq; Kingsley Jesuorobo Esq and Mr. Alexander Eromon) for their dedication and commitment. The Pastor disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with alumni associations, government representatives, investors, and private sector stakeholders to attract support and partnerships for the ambitious, yet very needed and timely development plan.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu further announced that the official fundraising launch for the initiative has been scheduled for July 4th 2026, adding that additional projects such as a state-of-the-art library and improved transportation systems for students and staff are also part of the long-term vision. In his words, “The trees we plant today will shape the generations of tomorrow and a society grows great when old men plant these trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. Today, let us pick our shovels together as we begin planting those trees.”
Meanwhile, the institution’s ICT team, led by Mr. Kehinde Samuel, introduced the digital portal for the UNIBENTDF initiative. The platform is expected to allow donors and partners to monitor projects, track contributions, access updates, ensure transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
During the vote of thanks, Dr. Mrs. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Consultant Gynaecologist and a member of the UNIBENTDF BOT, expressed appreciation to fellow BOT and sub-planning committee members, University staff, students, alumni community, friends and all stakeholders who have embraced and continue to support the initiative since its introduction; working behind the scenes to position UNIBEN on the global scene.
She described the UNIBENTDF as a visionary step toward repositioning the university for greater excellence and sustainable growth. No commitment is too big or too small. She welcomed the big time investors to engage while encouraging every supporter who owns a mobile phone to begin now and continue promoting the initiative across various platforms, using the #UNIBENTDF .
Dr. Ogboro-Okor also urged members of the public, alumni, partners, and well-wishers to regularly visit the official Trust Fund portal to stay informed about ongoing projects, development updates, and opportunities to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the institution.
