The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving student welfare and infrastructure in tertiary institutions with the groundbreaking of a 1,500-bed hostel project at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The project, facilitated through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, involves collaboration between LASU and Integrated Projects Hostel Development.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the Federal Government is spending at least ₦250 billion this year on the provision of world-class student hostels in tertiary institutions, with LASU as one of the beneficiary institutions.
The 1,500-bed hostel at LASU is designed to address the acute accommodation shortage facing the institution, which currently has an estimated student population of about 85,000 but only 7,000 available bed spaces.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of prioritising youth development and delivering quality education comparable to global standards.
The Minister pointed out that the administration has placed strong emphasis not only on academic excellence but also on ensuring a stable academic calendar and a conducive learning environment.
“Quality education goes beyond teaching staff. It includes stability in the academic calendar and improved welfare conditions for students,” the Minister said, adding that there has been no disruption in tertiary institutions in recent years due to deliberate government policies.
Alausa disclosed that in 2026 alone, the Federal Government is investing about ₦100 billion in hostel construction across more than 50 tertiary institutions, with an additional ₦100 billion earmarked for similar projects, bringing the total to over ₦200 billion for student accommodation nationwide.
He further revealed that ₦60 billion has been committed this year to rehabilitate medical schools across the country, alongside ongoing interventions in classrooms, laboratories, and engineering workshops.
“What we are witnessing today is a practical demonstration of democracy delivering real value to the people of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Just about 30 months into his administration, it is evident that the President is committed to fulfilling the promises he made to Nigerians. This initiative is yet another clear manifestation of that commitment.
“The President places strong emphasis on the welfare and development of Nigerian youth. He believes that young people are the heartbeat of the nation and the future leaders who will drive Nigeria’s growth and transformation at an accelerated pace.
“We will be spending about ₦250 billion in building student hostels across the country. The first component is ₦100 billion, and in total, we are committing about ₦250 billion in 2026 alone to deliver world-class, high-standard accommodation in tertiary institutions nationwide.
“For the 2026 fiscal year, the funds will be strategically channelled into critical areas that directly impact students. These include the provision of modern hostel accommodation, improvement of learning facilities, and the creation of a more conducive academic environment.
“A significant portion of this funding will go into public-private partnership projects, such as the development of large-scale student hostels like the 1,500-bed facility being launched here today. This is aimed at addressing the severe shortage of student housing in Nigerian universities.
“In addition, part of the funds will support infrastructure upgrades, enhance campus security, and improve access to essential services that make learning more effective and comfortable for students.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it is about investing in the future of Nigeria by empowering its youth with the right environment to succeed.
“The President has directed TETFund to channel resources into providing hostels, classrooms, engineering and technology workshops, and science laboratories in tertiary institutions in 2025 and 2026.
“The LASU hostel will include a supermarket, canteen, and recreational facilities. LASU remains one of the most sought-after universities in the country.”
Highlighting the importance of the LASU project, the Minister described student accommodation as “a necessity, not a luxury,” stressing that improved living conditions are critical to academic success and overall well-being.
While acknowledging that accommodation shortages are a nationwide challenge, he said the Federal Government is addressing the issue through large-scale investments and strategic partnerships.
The Minister also urged Nigerian youths to adopt a more positive outlook about the country, warning that excessive negativity, particularly on social media, could harm Nigeria’s global image and discourage investment.
“When you constantly project negativity, you diminish your country’s image and limit opportunities for yourselves. Nigeria still offers vast opportunities for those willing to explore them,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the project as a milestone in the institution’s development journey.
She said the hostel construction represents more than physical infrastructure, noting that it reflects LASU’s continued pursuit of academic excellence and improved student welfare.
“This project means a great deal to us, as it will significantly address accommodation challenges facing our students,” she said.
Also speaking, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Comrade Korede Peters, expressed appreciation to the government for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.
“Accommodation challenges affect students’ well-being. This project is not just infrastructure—it is a partnership that supports sustainable development. We are committed to ensuring it is well maintained,” he said.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the traditional ruler of the Ojo Kingdom and members of the university management.
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic turning of the sod and foundation laying, marking the commencement of the project expected to significantly enhance student comfort and learning at LASU.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh