Tinubu's Education Minister Directs University Advancement Revamp

On July 14, 2024, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education in Nigeria, issued a formal directive to the vice chancellors of 78 federal universities, mandating the urgent rebuilding and proper staffing of their Advancement Offices. This announcement was made during the National University Advancement Programme Forum organized by the National Higher Education Foundation (NHEF).

Alausa expressed frustration over the low attendance, with only 18 vice chancellors present and just 30 universities participating in the FME-NHEF Advancement Programme. He stressed that strengthening these offices is essential for universities to tap into various funding sources, including alumni networks and private-sector partnerships.

Alausa instructed that these offices should be directly overseen by the vice chancellors and that advancement professionals must receive adequate support. He acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Tinubu's administration to education funding while emphasizing the shared responsibility of vice chancellors in financial diversification.

Alausa also thanked Wale Adeosun, the Founder and CEO of Kuramo Capital Management, for supporting the initiative.