In a move aimed at bolstering institutional funding and infrastructural development, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has appointed Pastor (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 UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN) said the networking has become imperative in view of the fact that government alone can not bear the burden of funding.
According to the VC, the UNIBEN Trust Development Fund initiative is the first of its kind in the country, taking a cue from Oxford University in England.
Prof. Omoregie noted that the newly incorporated board is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of enhancing stakeholder participation and driving the university’s innovation and development agenda
On his part, Prof. Shuaibu Umaru, Chairman of UNIBEN Governing Council, who performed the inauguration, described the event as historic and marking a new chapter in UNIBEN’s pursuit of academic and infrastructural excellence.
In his acceptance speech, Pastor Osagie 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 Osagie Ize-Iyamu as Chairman while Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN, as secretary.
Other members are Professor Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, Emmanuel Olakunle Oriazuwa, Esq., Mr. Alexander Imuetinyan Eronmwon, Dr. (Mrs.) Loretta Oduware 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 & 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, under the leadership of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, 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.
