The FG has approved a massive N250 billion intervention fund for the construction of student hostels in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, in a move aimed at addressing the growing accommodation crisis in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of governing boards, principal officers, and heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the minister, the approval was granted by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to improve learning conditions and strengthen the nation’s education system through better infrastructure.
Mr. Alausa explained that the intervention represents the first major national investment specifically targeted at solving accommodation shortages in higher institutions. He revealed that at least 50 tertiary institutions are expected to benefit from the project, with each institution receiving about N2 billion to construct hostels capable of housing at least 500 students.
In addition to the N250 billion allocation, the Federal Government is also introducing a public-private partnership arrangement worth N90 billion to support hostel development in 24 federal institutions nationwide. The partnership is expected to deliver hostels with between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces in each participating institution.
The minister disclosed that construction work has already begun in several schools, noting that the government is committed to ensuring that students have access to safe and comfortable accommodation.
He further stated that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will provide N1 billion counterpart funding for each institution, while private investors are expected to contribute about N4 billion each toward the projects.
Mr. Alausa praised President Tinubu’s commitment to education reform, describing the administration’s leadership as transformational and focused on human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the education sector has received the country’s highest budgetary allocation for two consecutive years, reflecting the government’s determination to improve infrastructure, teaching quality, and student welfare across the country.
The minister explained that the hostel initiative is designed to address long-standing accommodation challenges in institutions such as Lagos State University and Yaba College of Technology, where overcrowding and inadequate hostel facilities have remained major concerns for students.
Beyond hostel construction, the government also announced additional investments in the education sector, including N130 billion for engineering and technology workshops and N120 billion for the upgrade of medical schools nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Babatunde Salako, pledged transparency, accountability, and stronger institutional performance in line with Nigeria’s economic and educational goals.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +