FG rolls out initiative to help universities attract alternative funding

He said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s broader vision of building higher education institutions that are financially resilient, research-driven and better equipped to contribute to national development.

Alausa disclosed that the initiative was developed through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation and the Africa Finance Corporation.

Under the arrangement, professionally managed Advancement Offices will be established in federal universities and inter-university centres to coordinate fundraising activities, alumni relations, donor engagement, strategic communication and partnership development.

He said the offices would help institutions expand research opportunities, strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve their capacity to attract local and international support.

The minister observed that Nigerian universities possess a vast network of accomplished alumni whose contributions have yet to be fully harnessed for institutional development.

According to him, stronger engagement with former students could unlock greater investment in research, improve scholarship opportunities, expand mentorship programmes and accelerate infrastructure development across campuses.

He stressed that universities must strengthen internal governance structures and adopt accountability measures capable of inspiring confidence among donors and development partners.

Alausa urged participants at the training to apply the knowledge acquired by implementing sustainable fundraising strategies and strengthening institutional management within their respective universities.

He reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to reforms aimed at improving access to quality education, strengthening higher institutions and positioning education as a key driver of national development.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Technical Working Committee of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation, Claire Jemide, described the organisation as a long-standing partner in efforts to improve Nigeria’s higher education system through investments in people, institutions and collaborative initiatives.

She said the National University Advancement Programme was introduced following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the foundation and the Federal Ministry of Education in January 2026.

According to her, the programme is expected to provide universities with practical knowledge and institutional frameworks for effective alumni engagement, fundraising, donor management, communications and long-term development planning.

The training attracted vice-chancellors, advancement officers, university administrators and senior officials from federal universities and inter-university centres, who were exposed to international best practices in institutional advancement, donor relations and sustainable university management.

The National University Advancement Programme forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the higher education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative seeks to reduce universities’ dependence on government subventions by promoting alternative funding channels, encouraging philanthropic support and strengthening institutional partnerships in line with global standards.