Education Minister Unveils National University Advancement Programme

• A bold initiative towards sustainable funding for higher education

In a move aimed at diversifying funding sources, strengthening institutional resilience, and enhancing the global competitiveness of the Nigerian universities, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled the National University Advancement Programme (NUAP).

Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, organized by the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Dr. Alausa highlighted that the program represents a “strategic turning point” in how Nigeria approaches the future of its higher education system.

“This gathering is far more than a formal meeting of stakeholders.

“It represents a strategic turning point in how we think about the future financing, governance, and institutional resilience of our universities,” Dr. Alausa stated.

The NUAP comes at a critical moment for Nigerian universities, which have long struggled with inadequate funding, aging infrastructure, and increasing student enrollment. These challenges have been aggravated by the country’s economic realities, placing immense pressure on the government’s ability to adequately support higher education.

Dr. Alausa acknowledged that “Across the federation, our higher education system continues to grapple with multiple pressures, limited public resources, expanding enrollments, ageing infrastructure, and the urgent need to strengthen research, innovation, and global competitiveness.”

The NUAP is an indication of a significant shift in the government’s approach to university funding, moving away from a sole reliance on public resources towards a more diversified and sustainable model. The program aims to mobilize private capital, alumni support, philanthropic endowments, and transparent advancement systems anchored on trust.

“These realities compel us to act differently. They demand that we complement government funding with new, sustainable mechanisms that mobilise private capital, alumni support, philanthropy endowments, and transparent advancement systems anchored on trust,” Dr. Alausa explained.

The partnership between the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation is seen as both timely and strategic in this context. Together, they are laying the foundation for a nationally coordinated University Advancement Framework that will serve all federal universities, regardless of age, size, or geographic location.

The NUAP has several clear and deliberate objectives:

Institutionalize professionally run advancement offices across federal universities.

Build leadership and technical capacity for alumni relations, fundraising, donor stewardship, and endowment management.

Establish enduring financial structures that can sustainably support scholarships, research excellence, innovation, and infrastructure development.

The program aims to empower universities to take greater control of their financial destinies, reducing their dependence on government funding and fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the NUAP aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes system reform, efficiency, sustainability, and partnership-driven development. The program is seen as a key component of the government’s broader efforts to transform Nigeria’s education sector and create opportunities for its citizens.

Wale Adeosun, Chairman of NHEF, acknowledged Dr. Alausa’s opinions, stating that the convening marks a defining moment in their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system through collaboration, innovation, and purposeful leadership.

Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, (AFC) added that the launch of NUAP represents an important step in strengthening alumni engagement and long-term institutional support within Nigeria’s higher education system.

For decades, Nigerian universities have faced a myriad of challenges, including:

Chronic Underfunding: Government funding has been insufficient to meet the growing needs of the universities, leading to dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate research facilities, and low staff morale.

Brain Drain: Many talented academics have left Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad, further weakening the capacity of the universities.

Frequent Strikes: Labor disputes and strikes have disrupted academic calendars and undermined the quality of education.

Corruption and Mismanagement: Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have plagued some universities, eroding public trust and hindering development efforts.

The NUAP represents a bold attempt to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and vibrant future for Nigerian higher education. By diversifying funding sources, strengthening institutional governance, and fostering a culture of innovation, the program has the potential to transform Nigerian universities into world-class centers of learning and research.

However, the success of the NUAP will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, universities, alumni, private sector, and the broader Nigerian society. With a determined effort, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its higher education system and create a brighter future for its citizens.