The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, has successfully concluded the inaugural National University Advancement Program (NUAP), a landmark initiative designed to strengthen advancement capacity across Nigeria’s federal universities.

Delivered over five cohorts between 16 June and 1 July 2026, the intensive three-day Advancement Boot Camp brought together 129 participants from federal universities across the country.

The programme equipped university leaders and advancement professionals with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to build sustainable fundraising, alumni engagement, communications and institutional advancement functions.

The boot camp was led by the Executive Director of the NHEF University Advancement Programme, Dr. Anne Okaomee, who served as the programme’s lead facilitator, guiding participants through an immersive curriculum focused on advancing the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the training was organised to reflect on the progress made so far and the opportunities that lie ahead for Nigerian universities.

The minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser on STEMM and Corporate Sector Engagement., Dr. Adeola Salau, commended the participants for their dedication, active engagement and commitment to the cause.

“I also wish to express sincere appreciation to the NHEF for its partnership and support in advancing this programme. This collaboration reflects what is possible when institutions work together with a common vision and a shared commitment to educational transformation.

“Today’s event is not simply the conclusion of a training programme; it is an opportunity to reaffirm a national commitment – a commitment to building universities that are stronger in capacity, deeper in impact and better positioned to serve future generations,” Alausa said.

He stated that one of the realities facing higher education globally is that universities can no longer depend solely on traditional funding models if they are to achieve long-term excellence and sustainability, adding that the government remains committed to supporting universities and strengthening the education sector.

“However, sustainable progress requires institutions to build stronger internal systems, develop wider partnerships and engage more intentionally with their communities,” he said.

Alausa explained that the NUAP is not intended to replace government support for higher education, but designed to complement existing investments by creating additional pathways for sustainability, innovation, research support, scholarships and long-term institutional growth.

“The goal is clear. We want universities that are more financially resilient. We want institutions that can plan for the future with greater confidence. We want stronger research ecosystems. We want universities that compete globally while remaining relevant to national priorities.

“This training has therefore been designed to go beyond theory.
It has focused on building practical knowledge, strengthening institutional capacity and exposing participants to global best practices in advancement, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and sustainable university development.

“I encourage all participants to carry the lessons from this engagement back to your institutions. Translate ideas into action. Build systems that endure. Create structures that strengthen trust and accountability.

“Work closely with your university leadership. Remain focused on outcomes that improve institutional performance and student experience,” he advised.

The Chairman of the NHEF, Mr. Wale Adeosun, said the minister made the programme possible to help Nigerian universities to be self-sustaining.

“It is a fantastic training programme. As advancement officers, they need to inculcate what they have learned today to develop advancement, donation programmes for the alumni. The goal is to help Nigerian universities to become self-sustaining. The government does its share; we can do our part as well,” Adeosun said.

The Executive Director, NHEF and Chairman, National Technical Working Committee, Claire Jemide, said that the body serves as a strategic partner to Nigerian universities towards reaching their full potential.

“Our mission has always been to help Nigerian universities unlock their full potential so that they can produce graduates, research and innovation that drive national development,” Jemide said.