The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria, COSFAN, has instituted a N10 million endowment fund at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, to support research and scholarship in peace and development.
The fund, named in honour of Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, marks the first of COSFAN’s planned perpetual endowments across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Unveiled at a ceremony in Ilorin, the endowment recognises Professor Gambari’s decades of contributions to national and global peacebuilding, diplomacy, and development.
Speaking at the event, Professor Gambari described the gesture as “timely and humbling,” noting that it reinforces the need to mentor young scholars and strengthen the study and practice of peace in Nigeria.
“It is a commitment to excellence and to encouraging the youth to do their best in whatever profession they choose. There is no higher calling than combining the study and practice of peace and development in any country,” he said.
COSFAN President, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, and immediate past President, Dr Abiola Adimula, said the initiative aims to sustain Professor Gambari’s legacy while addressing gaps in research funding at Nigerian universities.
“The relationship between peace and development has never been more critical. Without security and stability, nations cannot attract investment, build infrastructure, educate their children, or provide healthcare,” the association stated.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation, University of Ilorin, Professor Mukhtar Etudaye, described the endowment as “a move in the right direction” that will boost research output at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies.
Director of the Centre, Professor Gbemisola Animashaun, appealed to Nigerians and philanthropists to support research in tertiary institutions, saying sustained funding is key to solving Nigeria’s development challenges.
Chairman, COSFAN Board of Trustees, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, confirmed that the association will replicate the model in other universities to promote research, peace, and development nationwide.
The association, made up of Nigerian beneficiaries of Commonwealth scholarships and fellowships, assured that the endowment programme will be sustained to build institutional capacity and support evidence-based policy across the country.