Appeal to philanthropists for financing – FG informs universities

The federal government have urged the governing councils of universities in the country to approach philanthropic organisations and individuals for extra financing of projects.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu issued the advice in Abuja yesterday September 8, during the inauguration of the governing councils for the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi and the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru.

Minister of  State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, who represented Adamu cited trying economic times and also revealed the desire of the government to bring in more private sector participation in tertiary institutions.

He allured the councils to emerge with ideas that would create more revenue outside government allocations, and also equip the type of leadership that would quicken rapid growth of the universities and make them more enticing and competitive.

In his words, the Minister said;

“To this end, the councils should look outwards and enlist the support of philanthropic organizations and individuals for additional funding of projects in the Institutions. In addition, the councils can explore other sources of revenue through endowments.

“In doing these, you should ensure that the universities’ master plans, academic briefs and strategic plans are respected and their provisions strictly adhered to.”

Moreover, he emphasized that the idea of chief executive or any principal officer of institutions coming from localities where they are sited had adulterated the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. He described the practice as alien and further stated that merit should be the leadig principle.