Unilag Consult Trailblazers Award

The UNILAG Consult Trailblazers Endowment Fund is an initiative designed to create a sustainable source of funding for the community development initiative of the University of Lagos Consultancy Services, leveraging the significant achievements and networks of the Trailblazer Awardees. This strategy aims to ensure long-term financial support, foster stronger ties between the awardees and Unilag Consult, and directly impact the development of the organisation’s research and development, and consultancy projects. Below are the key elements of the strategy, broken down for clarity:

1. Structure of the Endowment Fund

The UNILAG Consult Trailblazers Endowment Fund will be a permanent fund, where the principal is invested, and the earnings from the investments are used to support various projects. Contributions to this fund can come in several forms:

One-time Donations: Major financial contributions from awardees, businesses, or philanthropists.

Pledged Donations: Awardees and sponsors commit to yearly or periodic donations over a set number of years.

In-kind Donations: Contributions in the form of business services, mentorship programs, scholarships, and other forms of support.

2. Purpose of the Endowment

The fund will be strategically directed toward initiatives that align with the Unilag Consult’s goals and development plans, including but not limited to:

Research and Innovation: Funding cutting-edge research in various academic departments, with a special focus on consultancy services that bridge academia and industry.

Infrastructure Development: Building or upgrading facilities that support both academic and consultancy activities.

Consultancy Projects: Funding initiatives by UNILAG Consult that help to secure consultancy jobs in the private and public sectors.

3. Categories of Donors

To encourage different levels of participation, the fund will have multiple giving tiers, ensuring recognition and reward for donors based on their contribution:

Platinum Donors: Contributions of ₦50 million and above.

Gold Donors: Contributions between ₦20 million and ₦50 million.

Silver Donors: Contributions between ₦10 million and ₦20 million.

Bronze Donors: Contributions between ₦5 million and ₦10 million.

4. Recognition and Benefits for Donors

Contributors to the UNILAG Consult Trailblazers Endowment Fund will be recognized in several impactful ways:

Naming Rights: For donors in the platinum and gold categories, the opportunity to have infrastructure or major projects named in their honor.

Special Recognition at the Awards Ceremony: During the 40th-anniversary event, donors will be given elevated visibility, with mentions in keynote speeches and special awards presented to significant contributors.

Long-term Acknowledgement: Donors will be featured on the UNILAG Consult Wall of Honor, a permanent fixture at the University, with their names engraved as Trailblazers contributing to the institution’s future.

5. Operational and Governance Structure

The UNILAG Consult Trailblazers Endowment Fund will be governed by a carefully selected board of trustees that includes notable alumni, UNILAG management, and industry professionals. This ensures that the fund is properly managed, with clear accountability for how funds are invested and disbursed:

Investment Strategy: The principal of the endowment fund will be invested in low-risk, long-term assets to ensure sustainable growth. A portion of the annual returns will be used to support designated projects, while the remainder will be reinvested.

Reporting and Transparency: Donors will receive annual reports detailing the performance of the endowment fund, how their donations were used, and the impact they have had on the university.

6. Long-term Engagement and Networking

The Endowment Fund is more than just a financial tool; it is a platform for continuous engagement between awardees and the university. Through exclusive events, networking opportunities, and the chance to mentor students or work with the institution on various projects, donors remain actively involved in shaping the future of UNILAG:

Exclusive Donor Events: Hold yearly events or dinners for major donors where they can engage with university leadership, students, and alumni.

Mentorship Programs: Encourage donors to offer time and expertise by mentoring students or speaking at university events, deepening their engagement with the institution.

Consultancy and Industry Projects: Provide opportunities for donors to collaborate with UNILAG Consult on real-world projects, using their industry expertise to further strengthen ties between the university and the business community.