VCs, financial experts move to bridge varsity funding gaps 

Vice-chancellors, financial experts, and policymakers from across the Commonwealth are set to converge for a high-level conference focused on addressing funding challenges facing universities. The event, tagged the Commonwealth Institute Universities Leaders Conference, is scheduled to hold from April 23 to 24, 2026, in Abuja. In a statement, the organisers – the Commonwealth Institute of […]

Vice-chancellors, financial experts, and policymakers from across the Commonwealth are set to converge for a high-level conference focused on addressing funding challenges facing universities.

The event, tagged the Commonwealth Institute Universities Leaders Conference, is scheduled to hold from April 23 to 24, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement, the organisers – the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) – said the conference will bring together key stakeholders in higher education, including vice-chancellors, founders, registrars, bursars, governing council members, and development officers. 

“Policymakers, investment experts, and education strategists are also expected to participate.

“The conference comes at a time when universities across Africa and the wider Commonwealth are grappling with rising operational costs, increased regulatory pressures, and growing competition for students,” the statement reads.

With the theme “Funding and Revenue Generation for Universities,” the organisers said the discussions will centre on practical strategies to ensure financial sustainability and reduce overdependence on government funding.

“Key sessions will focus on access to funding frameworks, engagement with intervention agencies, and the development of alternative revenue streams beyond tuition fees. Participants will also examine ways to attract investors, donors, and development partners, while strengthening governance and institutional credibility,” the statement reads. Speakers lined up for the event include the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono; Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Lawrence Ezemonye; and Chief Executive Officer of Kuramo Capital, Wale Adeosun.

Other speakers include Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Yemi Keri, Blackson Bayewumi, and Sola Longe-Okenimkpe. The session will be moderated by Anthony Kila.

Speaking ahead of the event, Kila said the initiative reflects the need for universities to collaborate across borders to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.

Also commenting, Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary to the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. said the conference comes at a critical time for higher education, particularly in emerging economies where institutions must balance expansion with sustainability.