FG reaffirms commitment to university sustainability programme
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building financially resilient and globally competitive universities through the National University Advancement Programme (NUAP), describing it as a strategic intervention to strengthen institutional sustainability in Nigeria’s higher education system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Education, following the wrap-up ceremony of the NUAP training for university officials.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf, described the event as marking a renewed national commitment to building universities with the capacity, partnerships and institutional systems required to compete globally.
While reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s support for higher education, Dr Alausa said universities must strengthen internal systems, cultivate strategic partnerships and engage alumni to unlock opportunities for research, innovation, scholarships and infrastructure development.
“The National University Advancement Programme is not intended to replace government support for higher education. Rather, it complements existing investments by creating additional pathways for sustainability, innovation, research support, scholarships and long-term institutional growth,” he said.
He explained that NUAP was established through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) and the Africa Finance Corporation to institutionalise professionally managed Advancement Offices across federal universities.
The Minister said, these offices will handle alumni engagement, donor relations, endowment management and strategic communications, helping universities strengthen financial resilience and global visibility.
Dr Alausa noted that alumni remain one of Nigerian universities’ greatest untapped assets, urging institutions to build stronger relationships with graduates to boost research support, scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of NHEF’s Technical Working Committee, Claire Jemide, described the Foundation as a strategic partner committed to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education ecosystem. She noted the programme, launched following a Memorandum of Agreement signed in January 2026, represents a milestone in equipping universities with skills in fundraising and institutional advancement.
The training brought together Vice Chancellors, administrators and advancement officers from federal universities nationwide for sessions on global best practices in institutional advancement and donor stewardship.