UNIBEN Secures Major Funding Commitments For AI Centre, Hostels, Research Facilities
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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has received major financial commitments from government agencies, corporate bodies and alumni towards the upgrade of its infrastructure, research capacity and innovation ecosystem following the launch of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF).
The fund, established to create a sustainable financing platform for the university’s development agenda, attracted pledges for key projects including student accommodation, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre, ICT infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, road rehabilitation, transportation, scholarships, internships and research support.
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who chaired the launch event, expressed support for the initiative, while the Chief Launcher, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, pledged to mobilise resources towards a legacy project aimed at advancing the institution’s growth.
One of the major highlights of the event was a ₦1 billion auditorium project pledged by the University of Benin Faculty of Law Class of 1985 for the Faculty of Law.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) also committed to the construction of a 650-bed modern students’ hostel and the rehabilitation of internal roads within the university.
Similarly, First Bank of Nigeria Plc pledged to establish and equip a modern ICT Centre, while Premium Trust Bank announced support for the provision of coastal buses to enhance movement within the university environment.
The Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, also pledged solar-powered lighting for the university’s Ekehuan Campus, building on the existing solar installation at the Ugbowo Campus.
In the area of student welfare, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, through the Muyibat Folasade Idewu Foundation, committed to constructing a 200-bed hostel for law students. Two alumni of the institution also pledged to develop a 50-room hostel under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.
The university’s technology and innovation drive received further support, with Dr. Tom Ilube, CBE, pledging assistance for Artificial Intelligence education, while Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie committed to supporting the development of an AI curriculum and the establishment of an AI Centre.
NQA & Conformity Assessment Nigeria Limited pledged annual internship opportunities for engineering students and graduates, while a consortium of business, agriculture and financial organisations expressed interest in investing ₦2.5 billion in the establishment of a modern commercial abattoir within the university.
Other contributors to the initiative included Augustine Alegeh, SAN, CON; Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, Chairman of Ocean Wave Group; and Dr. Christopher Otabor, who endowed two annual prizes of ₦1 million each for 20 years to reward the best graduating students in Surgery and Internal Medicine.
The Edo State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the university’s development programmes.
The launch attracted government representatives, academics, industry leaders, financial institutions, healthcare professionals and alumni from Nigeria and abroad, underscoring widespread confidence in UNIBEN’s future development plans.
Among the alumni who supported the initiative were former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, CON; Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON; Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Chief Dr. Lee Ikpea, CON; and Mr. Pius Malaka, who made donations and pledged continued support for the advancement of their alma mater.
The university said all donations and pledges received during the launch would be consolidated and managed by the Board of Trustees for the implementation of priority projects aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening research, promoting innovation and enhancing students’ welfare.
