The Nigerian Government has approved more than N250 billion in intervention to address students’ accommodation challenges across tertiary institutions nationwide.
The intervention will cover public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of Chairmen and Members of Boards of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the reappointed Chief Executive Officers, the Rector of a Federal Polytechnic, and principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.
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Alausa said the intervention, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, marked the first time such a scale of funding would be committed within a single year to expand hostel infrastructure nationwide.
He explained that at least 50 tertiary institutions would receive N2 billion each for the construction of student hostels, with every project expected to provide a minimum of 500 bed spaces.
According to him, the funds are being channelled through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which is coordinating the implementation of the projects.
“We are spending N2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions.
“The N2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces to each of these institutions. These funds have been mobilised via TETFund,” the Minister stated.
Alausa further stated that the government was also investing over N90 billion under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to construct additional hostels in tertiary institutions nationwide.
“We are also spending another N80 billion to deliver Public-Private Partnership projects that will provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces in 24 federal tertiary institutions.
“TETFund will provide N1 billion in counterpart funding, while the private sector partners will provide N3 billion, making a total of N4 billion per institution,” he explained.
The Minister further announced additional investments of N130 billion for engineering and technology workshops and N120 billion for the upgrade of medical schools nationwide.
Speaking on the inauguration, Alausa charged the newly inaugurated board members and institutional heads to provide strategic leadership, ensure accountability and uphold transparency in the management of public resources.
He therefore urged them to consolidate existing gains, drive innovation and strengthen the link between policy and implementation across the education sector.
“I urge you to lead with vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“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,” Alausa stressed.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning education as a cornerstone of national development, noting that sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital remained critical to long-term transformation.
He added that the ongoing reforms were focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology and aligning educational outcomes with national development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of those inaugurated, Prof. Babatunde Salako pledged commitment to transparency, institutional strengthening and aligning education with Nigeria’s economic needs.
“We will do our best because education is the bedrock of development of any nation, including Nigeria,” he assured.
Among those inaugurated were Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. 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 included Dr Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State; Prof. 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.
