FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
In a move aimed at bolstering institutional funding and infrastructural development, the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has appointed Dr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent figure in Edo State’s All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for its Trust Development Fund.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, held at the Ugbowo Campus, Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Omoregie (SAN) said the networking has become imperative in view of the fact that government alone cannot bear the burden of funding.
According to the vice chancellor, UNIBEN Trust Development Fund initiative is the first of its kind in the country, taking a cue from Oxford University in England.
Professor Omoregie noted that the newly incorporated board is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of enhancing stakeholders participation and driving the university’s innovation and development agenda
On his part, Chairman of UNIBEN Governing Council, Professor Shuaibu Umaru, who performed the inauguration, described the event as historic and marks a new chapter in UNIBEN’s pursuit of academic and infrastructural excellence.
In his acceptance speech, Pastor Ize-Iyamu pledged his unwavering commitment and resolve in carrying out the responsibility. “This Board shall not be symbolic. It shall be strategic. It shall not be passive. It shall be purposeful. Our mandate is clear, to mobilise resources, inspire confidence and safeguard the credibility of this institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.
The event was attended by key figures, including top government functionaries, members of the Governing Council, staff, students, and alumni, all demonstrating a unified commitment to the university’s progress.
The newly constituted Board of Trustees comprises distinguished professionals and stakeholders with Pastor Ize-Iyamu as Chairman, while Dr Richard Ahonaruogho (SAN), is the Secretary.
Other members are Professor Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Emmanuel Oriazuwa, Mr Alexander Eronmwon, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor and Kingsley Imuentinyan.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu has held several strategic positions, including Chief of Staff to the Edo State government (1999-2003) and Secretary to the State Government (2003-2007). He has been national vice chairman (South -South) of the ACN, a key member of the APC merger and Constitution Drafting Committees, and a two-time governorship candidate in Edo State.
At the national level, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has served as Deputy Director (Protocol and Events, South) of the APC presidential Campaign Council, Co-chairman of the APC Special National Convention Electoral Committee and APC Collation Officer for the 2023 Presidential Election in Edo State.
The newly constituted Board of Trustees is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategic direction to UNIBEN’s development initiatives.
With a focus on strengthening financial resources and expanding infrastructure, the board’s efforts will be instrumental in creating an even more conducive environment for learning, research and innovation at the University of Benin.
