Minister tasks universities, collages on establishment of endowment fund

The Minister of Education , Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged research-based universities and colleges to establish an endowment fund to enhance support and sustainability of research works for improved healthcare delivery.

Alausa gave the advice at the inaugural conference of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the conference has the theme: “Precision In Practice: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Clinical Insights for Patient-Centered Care”.

Our correspondent also reports that the conference featured the unveiling of the Faculty’s Journal and instituting of N1 billion research endowment fund, aimed at supporting research and infrastructure development.

According to him, there is need for a robust endowment fund for education and research sustainability across institutions in the country, emphasising the need for deeper collaboration between private and public entities in achieving it.

Citing the Federal Government’s supports to medical education, Alausa said that a sum of N220 billion was expended on medical education nationwide in 2025 and 2026.

“The proposed N1b endowment fund of the faculty is just a seed, as it is not enough for research development. We need more robust endowment fund to boost education and research sustainability.

“Therefore, I enjoin other faculties, universities and collages to key into that initiative by setting up an equivalent pool of fund to aid research works,” Alausa said.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako highlighted efforts to enhance diagnostic capacity across healthcare facilities of the country, identifying effective laboratory diagnosis as a challenge in the healthcare system.

Salako, represented by Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), cited plans to revitalise Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country as part of efforts to strengthen the healthcare system.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, underscored the importance of engaging policymakers to help in translating research works into policy direction.

Aboyomi said that plans were underway for a research on Ebola, urging researchers, clinicians and scientists to be part of it.

“Now that we have Ebola trying to knock at our door, I urge researchers to collaborate and key into innovations to enhance our preparedness,” Aboyomi said.

Earlier, the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem, reiterated that the Faculty’s N1 billion endowment fund aimed to support research, innovation, student scholarships and infrastructure development.

Abdulkareem called on government agencies, corporate organisations, philanthropists, alumni, development partners and other stakeholders to support the initiative.

“The endowment fund is an investment in Nigeria’s scientific future, health security, and capacity for homegrown solutions to the continent’s healthcare challenges.

“Established in 2025, the faculty comprises five departments, and it’s created to bridge the gap between laboratory research, clinical practice, and public health.

The Keynote Speaker at the event, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, urged the policymakers to prioritise research support by strengthening infrastructure development and local production capacity.

The event featured goodwill messages from different organisations and personalities including the President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Ms Njide Ndili; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRM (Prof.) Saka Matemilola among others.

It also featured plenary session presentations where healthcare practitioners discussed pathways to promote healthcare delivery system.