IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE. UAST will not recognise or assume responsibility for any transaction or commitment entered into in its name without current and verifiable authorisation from the University.
Read the full noticeWhat Is an Endowment?
An endowment is a financial gift or asset given to an institution to provide ongoing income. The principal (capital) is preserved permanently. Only the annual investment returns are used. The fund is named after the donor or honoree. For UAST, endowments are instruments for financial sustainability, institutional autonomy, and long-term academic excellence.
1. Give
A financial gift or asset is given to UAST to establish the endowment fund.
2. Invest
Professional fund managers invest the principal. The capital is never spent — only returns are used.
3. Fund
40%–50% of annual returns fund the designated purpose in perpetuity. The principal stays intact forever.
Types of Endowments at UAST
UAST establishes five categories of named endowments. Each serves a distinct purpose and operates under the same principle: the principal is preserved, and only investment returns are spent.
Endowed Chairs
Support distinguished professors in key disciplines. Minimum ₦500 million. Perpetual naming.
Endowed Scholarships
Provide financial support to students. Minimum ₦500 million. 15–25 year naming duration.
Endowed Laboratories
Fund equipment, maintenance, and upgrades. Perpetual naming. Below ₦500 million minimum.
Learn more about the 8 Innovation Centres at UAST — see the UAST STIP
Endowed Centers / Institutes
Support full research units. Minimum ₦1 billion. Perpetual naming.
Endowed Buildings
Fund infrastructure development and maintenance. Perpetual naming. Minimum ₦500 million – ₦10 billion depending on scope.
Sports Endowment Fund
A dedicated endowment for athletics and sports development at UAST — including facility construction, student-athlete scholarships, coaching excellence, sports science research, and competition travel.
Policy Framework
The UAST Endowment Fund is governed by a formal policy framework established under Section 26(2)(c) of the UAST Law. The following sections outline the objectives, governance structure, naming thresholds, and financial safeguards.
Objectives
- ●Ensure long-term financial sustainability
- ●Promote academic excellence
- ●Encourage private sector and philanthropic participation
- ●Build institutional resilience
Governance Structure
The UAST Endowment Fund operates under a three-tier governance structure designed to ensure independence, transparency, and professional management.
7 members
Board of Trustees
Appointed by the Visitor of UAST and confirmed by Corporate Affairs Commission. Comprises a Chairman (respected figure), Finance expert, Legal expert, Academic representative, Private sector/donor representative, African/Nigerian/Benue Diaspora representative, and Secretary (respected retired Permanent Secretary).
At most 5 members
Investment Committee
Appointed by the Board of Trustees. Determines and oversees investment allocation and expenditure of returns. Interfaces with Fund Managers and reports to the Board of Trustees.
Professional firms
Fund Managers
Licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Manages investments on behalf of the endowment and reports to the Investment Committee.
Naming Policy & Thresholds
Each endowment type has a minimum contribution and naming duration. Thresholds are reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees to compensate for inflationary real value depreciation.
Endowed Chair
Duration: Perpetual
Minimum: ₦500 million+
Centre/Institute
Duration: Perpetual
Minimum: ₦1 billion+
Laboratory
Duration: Perpetual
Minimum: Below ₦500 million
Scholarship Fund
Duration: 15–25 years
Minimum: ₦500 million+
Lecture Theatre
Duration: Perpetual
Minimum: ₦500 million – ₦2 billion
Faculty Building
Duration: 25–50 years
Minimum: ₦2 billion – ₦10 billion
Other Physical Building / Infrastructure
Duration: Perpetual
Minimum: Above ₦10 billion
Naming Rights Conditions
- ●Must align with university values
- ●No politically controversial or unethical associations
- ●Subject to approval by Governing Authority (Governing Council and Board of Trustees)
Financial Safeguards
The endowment fund is protected by multiple layers of financial governance to ensure transparency, sustainability, and long-term value preservation.
Strategic Importance for UAST
- ●Reduces dependence on government funding
- ●Ensures stability across political transitions
- ●Attracts global partnerships
- ●Builds institutional prestige
Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?
Partner with UAST Ihugh to create a legacy that transforms lives. Contact our development office to discuss endowment opportunities tailored to your vision.