The University of Lagos, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, took a major step towards the construction of a new one thousand, two hundred (1200) bed-space facility for its students, with a sod-turning ceremony.

The project, under the TETFund Presidential Initiative on Student Hostel Development, marked a welcome moment of renewed optimism for the University which has recently been in the public eye over accommodation-related issues.

Several key stakeholders were in attendance at the ceremony, including the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Moruf Alausa, CON, government officials, university administrators, and partner organisations represented by the Chairman of CMF Gardens Housing Limited, Dr. Abiola Familusi.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS acknowledged the realities confronting students beyond the university gates, where the cost of securing decent accommodation has become increasingly prohibitive.

Her words “Just outside of this gate, there’s so much cost with getting a decent accommodation. Today, I am a happy Vice-Chancellor for the strides we are building to ensure that life is easier for our students.”

Professor Ogunsola expressed her delight at the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the University’s commitment to student welfare as a core priority. She added that the project would not only provide much-needed accommodation but also transform the architectural landscape of its site and environs, giving the university a refreshed outlook.

She further acknowledged the invaluable support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the private sector partners, noting that their collective support underscored a shared vision for strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Moruf Alausa, CON, described the TETFund Presidential Initiative on Student Hostel Development as a critical pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places the welfare and education of Nigerian youth at the forefront of national development.

An alumnus of the University of Lagos, Dr. Alausa used the occasion to shower encomiums on the Vice-Chancellor, describing her leadership style as exceptional and unmatched across Nigerian universities. He cited several instances of strategic foresight, administrative courage, and student-centred decision-making, noting that her stewardship inspired government confidence in the viability and sustainability of the hostel project.

According to the Minister, the initiative is a direct response to the persistent challenge of overcrowded campuses, rising off-campus housing costs, and inadequate student living conditions across the country. He commended TETFund for addressing what he described as an often-overlooked but essential component of the educational experience.

His words “Education is not just about what happens in the classroom; it is also about creating an environment that supports students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. So, this Presidential Initiative ensures that students not only gain access to education but also have the infrastructure required to thrive.”

The Minister explained that the new hostels at UNILAG will provide safe, affordable, and sustainable accommodation designed to meet students’ needs, foster community life, enhance learning experiences, and significantly improve the quality of campus life.

He further noted that the project aligns with the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which seeks to improve learning outcomes, campus safety, and student mental health nationwide. Emphasizing the significance of the UNILAG project, Dr. Alausa said its success would serve as a benchmark for similar developments across other federal universities.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman of CMF Gardens Housing Limited, Dr. Abiola Familusi, commended the university management for its steadfast commitment to improving students’ welfare. He emphasized the importance of making life easier for students, noting that access to decent and affordable accommodation remains central to academic success and personal well-being.

Dr. Familusi provided insight into the funding structure of the project. Outlined as a 3:1 arrangement, CMF Gardens Housing Limited provided N3 billion while N1 billion is provided under the Federal Government–TETFund framework for student hostel development. Dr Famulisi announced an additional N2.5 billion investment, bringing the total value of the project to N6.5 billion.

According to him, the partnership will deliver a modern 1,200-bed space hostel facility, scheduled for completion within one year, and designed to set a new benchmark for university accommodation delivery in Nigeria. (UNILAG)

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