By Henry Oladele
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 at the Lagos State University (LASU).
The source reports that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this on Friday at the ceremony held at the university’s Ojo campus.
Alausa said the project, being executed through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement involving the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and private investors, was part of broader reforms under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
He said the initiative was aimed at repositioning the education sector and ensuring access to quality learning environments.
The minister described Nigerian youths as the nation’s future, adding that the government was committed to delivering education that meets global standards.
“Education is not just about lectures; it includes infrastructure, welfare and a conducive learning environment,” he said.
Alausa disclosed that TETFund would spend about N100 billion in 2026 on hostel construction across 50 tertiary institutions, alongside an additional N96 billion for similar projects nationwide.
He added that the government would invest N60 billion in rehabilitating medical schools and N70 billion in upgrading engineering workshops and laboratories.
According to him, ongoing interventions also include mini-grid power projects, mobility schemes and infrastructure upgrades covering hostels, classrooms, laboratories and workshops.
On LASU, the minister said the N4 billion hostel project would feature modern facilities such as a gym, library, canteen and recreational areas.
He noted that the project would help address accommodation challenges in the institution, which has a student population of about 84,000 but only 7,000 bed spaces.
Alausa also announced plans to construct an 11-megawatt independent power plant at the Ojo campus and a four-megawatt facility at its Epe campus.
He added that a 3,000-seat auditorium and a new Faculty of Engineering building would be developed.
The minister urged students to adopt a positive outlook towards the country, noting that negative narratives could discourage investment.
“There are abundant opportunities in Nigeria. Young people must position themselves to take advantage of them,” he said.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the project as a milestone in the university’s development.
Olatunji-Bello said the hostel would improve students’ living conditions and support better academic performance.
She commended TETFund and private partners for their continued support and urged stakeholders to ensure timely completion of the project.
