The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria (COSFAN) has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish endowment funds in universities across the country, beginning with a ₦10 million research fund at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, in honour of renowned diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari.
The initiative signals a new push by the association to address the chronic funding challenges facing research and scholarship in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions while promoting studies in peace, development, governance, and strategic affairs.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, COSFAN said the endowment programme would be sustained in perpetuity and expanded to other universities as part of a broader effort to strengthen academic research and knowledge production in the country.
The association noted that the choice of Professor Gambari reflects his longstanding contributions to peacebuilding, diplomacy, public service, and international development.
Receiving the honour, Gambari described the endowment as both timely and significant, particularly at a period when global and domestic security challenges have heightened the importance of peace and development studies.
According to him, no nation can achieve sustainable growth without peace and stability, stressing that investment in research and intellectual development remains critical to addressing contemporary governance and security challenges.
“It is a big honour for me and I am truly delighted. This recognition reinforces the importance of mentoring young people and encouraging excellence in the study and practice of peace and development,” he said.
Gambari also recalled his involvement in international peace efforts, including his role in supporting conflict resolution during Angola’s civil war, noting that the Angolan government had recognised his contributions to peacebuilding.
President of COSFAN, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, said the association’s objective is to create a lasting platform that supports research and preserves the legacy of distinguished scholars whose work has contributed to national and global development.
Also speaking, the immediate past president of COSFAN, Dr. Abiola Adimula, said the initiative demonstrates the association’s commitment to advancing scholarship and encouraging future generations of researchers.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation) of the University of Ilorin, Professor Mukthar Etudaye, described the endowment as a strategic intervention capable of stimulating high-quality research and innovation within Nigerian universities.
Similarly, Chairman of COSFAN’s Board of Trustees, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, said the association intends to expand the programme nationwide as part of efforts to promote research excellence and contribute to national development.
Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Professor Gbemisola Animashaun, urged philanthropists, corporate organisations, and development partners to support research institutions, stressing that sustainable development depends largely on investments in knowledge generation and policy-oriented research.
Stakeholders at the event described the endowment as a significant milestone in the quest to build alternative funding mechanisms for research in Nigerian universities amid increasing pressure on public education financing.