The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) has unveiled plans to establish endowment funds in universities across the country as part of efforts to strengthen research, scholarship, and knowledge development in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The initiative commenced with the inauguration of a ₦10 million endowment fund at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, in honour of renowned diplomat and statesman, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding, governance, and national development.
Speaking at the event, COSFAN said the endowment programme is designed to support research activities in Nigerian universities and promote studies that address critical national and global challenges.
The association noted that the choice of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies reflects the growing importance of peace and security in fostering sustainable development.
Addressing participants, Professor Gambari described the gesture as a significant honour and a timely intervention at a period when the study and practice of peace and development have become increasingly important globally.
According to him, nations cannot achieve meaningful progress without peace, stability, and security, stressing that development efforts thrive only in environments where conflicts are effectively managed and resolved.
Gambari also recalled his role in international peacebuilding efforts, including his contribution to the restoration of peace in Angola during its civil war, noting that the Angolan government had recognised his efforts in that regard.
“It is a big honour for me and I am truly delighted. This recognition comes at a time when commitment to mentoring, excellence, and encouraging young people to strive for success in their chosen professions is more important than ever,” he said.
He added that there is no greater calling than combining the study and practice of peace and development, given their central role in nation-building and human progress.
The former United Nations Under-Secretary-General expressed appreciation to both past and present leaders of COSFAN, as well as members of the association, for initiating the endowment and celebrating his contributions.
President of COSFAN, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, and the association’s immediate past president, Dr. Abiola Adimula, said the fund was created to preserve Gambari’s legacy while supporting academic research in areas related to peace, governance, and development.
They emphasized that the association intends to replicate similar endowment programmes in universities across the country as part of a broader commitment to advancing research and intellectual development.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation) of the University of Ilorin, Professor Mukthar Etudaye, described the initiative as a commendable step toward addressing the funding challenges confronting research in Nigerian universities.
Chairman of COSFAN’s Board of Trustees, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, said the association remains committed to sustaining the programme and expanding support for research, peace studies, and development-focused scholarship nationwide.
In her remarks, the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Professor Gbemisola Animashaun, called on philanthropists, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to invest more in research and higher education, stressing that innovation and national development depend heavily on sustained support for academic inquiry.
The event attracted academics, policymakers, researchers, and members of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, who described the endowment as a model for strengthening research funding and promoting a culture of academic excellence in Nigeria.