Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has underscored the necessity for private individuals and philanthropists to assist the government in financing Education across Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja at an event organized in honour of Dr. Emeka Offor and his wife, Dr. Adaora Offor, Mamman emphasized the critical role of Private Sector contributions to the education sector. The Offor’s were awarded honorary doctorate degrees in Business Administration and Social Advocacy by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, respectively. The event highlighted their significant contributions through their foundation, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), which has been instrumental in supporting educational initiatives.
Mamman highlighted that while the government has significantly invested in education, the efforts of private individuals and philanthropists like the Offor’s are vital. “The ministry is encouraged by this kind of recognition because the government cannot Finance education alone, just as it has contributed a lot. That is why people like Emeka Offor and his wife have stepped in, and what they are doing should be encouraged by others. I believe this is an excellent example of resources well used and I urge others to take a cue from what they have done,” Mamman stated. UNN and NAU benefitted from donations of ₦100 million and ₦50 million, respectively.
Funds would be used to maintain sustainability.
The funds are earmarked for research activities, scholarly enterprises, and the Welfare of vulnerable groups, such as widows and children with special needs. Mamman commended the donors for their generosity and expressed optimism that the Endowment Funds would be utilized judiciously. “The good thing is that the endowment is tied to particular activities in the universities and there are clear terms for usage, and I believe that the institutions will utilize the money effectively,” he added. Mamman also called on philanthropists and benevolent individuals to support the Federal Government’s safe school initiative, which aims to protect schoolchildren from attacks and other forms of violence.
Chief Emeka Offor, speaking about the endowment, mentioned that the funds would be managed to ensure Sustainability and impact. “The endowment funds are restricted, meaning the principal sum will be held in perpetuity except otherwise decided by SEOF and the universities. The earnings from the invested assets will be expended according to the donor’s specifications,” Offor explained. He emphasized that the funds would support research and scholarly endeavours in the faculties of Business Administration and Social Science at both universities.
Other individuals can support institutions like the Offor’s.
Dr. Adaora Offor reiterated their commitment to advancing knowledge through research-related activities. The couple’s endowment fund of ₦150 million aims to enhance educational opportunities and reduce the suffering of the masses by creating opportunities for youths to secure meaningful employment. The acting Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, assured that the funds would be used responsibly and for their intended purposes. The contributions of the Offor’s highlight a broader potential for the private sector to play a crucial role in financing education in Nigeria.
Establishing endowment funds, similar to the SEOF, other private individuals and corporations can establish endowment funds to support universities and other educational institutions. These funds can provide sustained financial support for research, Infrastructure development, and scholarships. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives, companies can integrate educational support into their CSR strategies. This could include funding for school buildings, providing learning materials, or sponsoring training programs for teachers. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), collaborations between the government and private sector can lead to the development of new schools, improvement of existing facilities, and enhancement of educational technologies.
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These partnerships can leverage the strengths of both sectors to address gaps in the education system. Scholarship Programs, corporations and wealthy individuals can create scholarship programs to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs can cover tuition, accommodation, and other expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families. Investing in Vocational Training, the private sector can invest in vocational and technical training centres to equip young people with skills that are in demand in the job market. This not only supports education but also addresses the issue of youth unemployment. Supporting Educational Technology, Investment in educational Technology can transform learning environments.