Alausa Urges Nigerian Universities to Diversify Funding

Alausa Urges Nigerian Universities to Diversify Funding Beyond Government Allocations

Hope Ajayi September 9, 2026 2 minutes read

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has urged vice-chancellors of public universities to reduce dependence on government allocations by developing sustainable alternative funding sources to support teaching, research and infrastructure.

Speaking at the National Advancement Forum 2026, Alausa expressed concern that only four of Nigeria’s 68 federal universities are effectively leveraging opportunities such as research grants, endowments, alumni donations, philanthropy and industry partnerships.

He said universities can no longer rely solely on public funding if they are to remain globally competitive.

“Government funding is not enough. Universities live, function and excel on blended funding,” the minister said.

To strengthen institutional fundraising, Alausa directed vice-chancellors to reposition their Advancement Offices to report directly to their offices instead of the registrar’s office.

He also recommended that directors of advancement should, where appropriate, serve a minimum five-year tenure to build long-term relationships with alumni, donors and corporate partners.

The minister urged universities to develop comprehensive alumni databases and strengthen engagement with graduates, describing alumni as critical partners in institutional development.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s decision to exempt research and endowment funds from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), saying the policy provides universities with greater flexibility to mobilise and manage funds.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigerian Higher Education Foundation (NHEF), is developing a national framework on university advancement covering research funding, alumni giving, endowment management, philanthropy and industry collaboration.

Alausa said the initiative is designed to complement, rather than replace, government funding while helping universities build resilient and diversified financing systems.