The University of Benin has launched a ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund aimed at upgrading infrastructure, strengthening teaching and learning, and expanding research capacity across the institution.

The fund was officially unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, drawing senior government officials, alumni and institutional leaders who collectively called on corporate organisations, philanthropists and individuals to support the initiative.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, described the fund as fully aligned with the Federal Ministry of Education's Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative. The minister stated that the initiative seeks to reposition education through innovation, strategic partnerships, improved governance, quality assurance, digital transformation, expanded access and sustainable financing.

Alausa affirmed that "every investment or donation made is an investment in the future of our nation, our youth and the generations yet unborn," and urged universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, alumni bodies and corporate organisations across Nigeria to emulate the model.

Former Minister of Works and alumnus of the institution, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who chaired the occasion, noted that the university's growing population had multiplied its needs, making a dedicated development fund necessary. He told donors that their contributions would ensure the founding mission of the university endures.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, maintained that the government alone cannot meet the growing funding demands of higher education, calling on the private sector, alumni, and philanthropists to contribute. He declared that "sustainable universities are built through partnerships among government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development partners, and friends of the institution." He described the fund as "a visionary initiative that deserves the support of all."

The Trust Development Fund Chairman, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, positioned the platform as a strategic complement to public investment, designed to mobilise resources, foster innovation,  and create a sustainable path for institutional transformation. He declared that the ₦100 billion launch represented "a declaration of confidence in the university's future and the collective determination to pursue excellence without compromise," and pledged that the fund would be administered with full transparency, accountability, and integrity.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Omoregie Edoba (SAN), described the launch as "a strategic move to change the face of the university and place it on a higher pedestal in the global academic community," adding that the fund would address funding pressures from increased enrolment, overstretched infrastructure and limited research financing.

The fund was first unveiled in May, when organisers confirmed that individuals, institutions, alumni and friends of the university would all be involved in the fundraising effort.