Approach philanthropists for funding – FG tells universities

Governing councils of universities in the country have been asked by the federal government to approach philanthropic organisations and individuals for additional funding of projects.

The advice was given by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in Abuja yesterday September 8, during the inauguration of the governing councils for the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi and the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru.

Adamu who was represented by the  Minister of  State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, cited trying economic times and also expressed government’s desire to bring in more private sector participation in tertiary institutions. 

He urged the councils to come up with ideas that would generate more revenue outside government allocations, and also provide the type of leadership that would stimulate rapid growth of the universities and make them more competitive and attractive. 

The Minister said; 

“To this end, the councils should look outwards and enlist the support of philanthropic organizations and individuals for additional funding of projects in the Institutions. In addition, the councils can explore other sources of revenue through endowments.

“In doing these, you should ensure that the universities’ master plans, academic briefs and strategic plans are respected and their provisions strictly adhered to.”

Also stressing that the idea of chief executive or any principal officer of institutions coming from localities where they are sited had watered down the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, he described the practice as alien and further stated that merit should be the guiding principle.