The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building financially resilient, globally competitive, and future-ready universities through the National University Advancement Programme (NUAP), describing the initiative as a strategic intervention to strengthen institutional sustainability and position Nigeria’s higher education system for long-term growth.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known in a keynote address at the wrap-up ceremony of the National University Advancement Programme training for university officials.
The Minister, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, said the programme marked more than the conclusion of a training exercise, describing it as a renewed national commitment to building stronger universities with the capacity, partnerships, and institutional systems needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global knowledge economy.
Reaffirming the President Tinubu-led Federal Government’s commitment to higher education, Dr Alausa urged universities to strengthen their systems, build strategic partnerships, and engage alumni to boost research, innovation, scholarships, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
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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 create professionally managed Advancement Offices in federal universities and inter-university centres.
According to the Minister, the Advancement Offices will drive alumni engagement, fundraising, and partnerships to boost universities’ financial resilience, research, and global visibility, noting that Nigerian universities have a vast but underutilised alumni network with accomplished professionals across various fields.
“When universities maintain strong relationships with their alumni, research receives greater support, students gain access to scholarships and mentorship opportunities, institutions build stronger partnerships, infrastructure improves and innovation expands,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government aims to build financially stronger, research-driven, and globally competitive universities aligned with national development priorities.
Dr Alausa said the training equipped university leaders with practical skills in alumni engagement, fundraising, and institutional advancement, urging them to implement reforms that promote accountability, strengthen governance, and improve the student experience.
He reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on strengthening institutions, expanding access to quality education, and driving national development.
The Chairman of the Technical Working Committee of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF), Claire Jemide said the Foundation is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education through investment in people, institutions, and partnerships.
She added that its University Advancement Programme will help universities improve alumni engagement, fundraising, and long-term institutional development.
