By Isaac Olamikan, Senior Correspondent, Benin
Professor Ralph Edwards, the immediate past director, WHO Centre for Programme of International Medicine Monitoring, Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), Uppsala, Sweden, has stated that funding of higher education must be supported by the government to attract funding from local and international partners.
He made the call while delivering the 45th Convocation Lecture of the University of Benin entitled Being a Professional Individual in Society held at the Akin Deko Main Auditorium of the University.
According to him, “Global funding of education is increasing. However, the need is more urgent for the resource limited countries with the competing demands in such settings.
“While the rich countries of the west continue to spend more resources the converse is the case in those that are limited.”
Going further, he asserted that “sustainability of funding for the education sector across various subject matters is an investment for the future which will provide for and protect future generations in all ramifications.”
He said: “it is the responsibility of all of us who are privileged to ensure that those who aren’t have the best chance for a better life.
“It includes balancing the needs of individuals with those of the bulk of society in a fair way.”
