FG commits over N250bn to end campus accomodation crisis nationwide
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Federal Government has unveiled a massive intervention of over N250bn aimed at addressing the long-standing accommodation challenges confronting students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of chairmen and members of boards of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, newly appointed and reappointed chief executive officers, a federal polytechnic rector, and principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.
Alausa described the intervention as unprecedented, noting that it marks the first time such a huge investment would be committed within a single year toward expanding hostel infrastructure across federal tertiary institutions.
He said the initiative was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will involve the construction of new hostels as well as the expansion of existing accommodation facilities nationwide.
He explained that at least 50 tertiary institutions would receive N2bn each for hostel projects expected to provide a minimum of 500 bed spaces per institution.
“We are spending N2bn each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions,” the minister said.
“The N2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces in each institution, and these funds have been mobilised through TETFund.”
Alausa further disclosed that an additional N80bn would be invested through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements to provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces in 24 federal tertiary institutions.
Alausa said the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will provide N1bn counterpart funding for each institution, while private sector partners are expected to contribute N3bn, bringing the total funding per institution to N4bn.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector are focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology, and aligning educational outcomes with national development priorities.
He charged the newly inaugurated board members and institutional heads to provide strategic leadership, ensure accountability, and maintain transparency in the management of public resources.
Alausa also urged them to consolidate existing achievements while promoting innovation and strengthening policy implementation across the sector.
“I urge you to lead with vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
“Your mandate is clear: build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote impactful and solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships.”
Among those inaugurated were Professor Babatunde Lawal Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.
Others inaugurated include Engr. Dr. Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State; Professor Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama; Mr. Abba Kaka Goni as Registrar; Mrs Aisha Halilu as Librarian; and Mr. Bashir Zubairu as Bursar of the institution.
The Bosso Campus Co-sharing Committee will be chaired by Professor Idris Ali.