Osung Gives N10m To AKSU, Calls For Strategic Philanthropy In Education
A prominent philanthropist and Chairman of the Grace Efiong Osung Foundation (GEOF), Engr. Elvis Osung, has called for increased philanthropic interventions to advance education and community development, while donating N10 million to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).
Osung made the donation during the First Public Lecture of the Faculty of Social Sciences held at the Tetfund Pavilion, Obio Akpa Campus of the university in Oruk Anam Local Government Area on Thursday.
Delivering a lecture titled “Philanthropic Foundations as Catalysts for Educational Advancement and Community Development,” Osung expressed satisfaction over the growing global trend of philanthropic donations aimed at addressing societal challenges.
He noted that foundations are playing increasingly critical roles in tackling global and local issues, driven by the rise of high-net-worth individuals, globalization, and digital platforms which have expanded the reach and influence of philanthropic organizations.
According to him, many foundations are now engaging in strategic collaborations aligned with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), ensuring that their interventions contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Despite the progress, Osung highlighted several challenges confronting philanthropic interventions in education, healthcare, and community initiatives at both national and international levels. He identified issues such as accountability and transparency, alignment with local needs, sustainability of externally funded projects, and the need to strike a balance between dependency and empowerment.
“These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing issues of accountability and transparency, alignment with local needs and priorities, sustainability of externally funded projects, and the delicate balance between dependency and empowerment,” he said.
He urged philanthropists to ensure that their interventions are tailored to local realities to guarantee relevance, effectiveness, and long-term impact. Osung also encouraged members of the public to emulate the model of the Grace Efiong Osung Foundation, which he said prioritizes community engagement, leverages local expertise, and fosters partnerships beyond organizational boundaries.
Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Monday Dickson, commended Osung for his impactful contributions to society through his foundation. He expressed optimism that the lecture would broaden understanding and inspire collective action toward meaningful philanthropic engagement.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of AKSU, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, stated that the lecture had further enlightened the public on the importance of philanthropic interventions. He assured that the university would sustain the public lecture series to promote cross-fertilization of ideas and strengthen academic discourse.
