Federal Govt, TETFund to address accommodation shortfall in YABATECH
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address accommodation shortage in Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) with the ground breaking ceremony of a 1,500-bed student hostel project on the institution’s
- Launch 1500-bed hostel project
- By Christiana Ohimai,
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address accommodation shortage in Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) with the ground breaking ceremony of a 1,500-bed student hostel project on the institution’s campus.
The project, being executed through a TETFund Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in collaboration with Integrated Projects Limited, was officially flagged off by Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa on Friday.
Alausa reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to education and empowerment of the youths.
Speaking during the ceremony, YABATECH Rector Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, described student accommodation in the institution as having reached “a pandemic level,” stressing that available bed spaces currently accommodate only about 1,600 students due to ongoing maintenance of one of the hostels.
According to him, the development became imperative as increasing student population and pressure on existing facilities continue to pose serious welfare challenges.
“This hostel project stands as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to create a conducive learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
”This 1,500 Bed hostel project, made possible through the innovative TETFund Public Private Partnership model in collaboration with Integrated Projects Limited, stands as a demonstration of your vision and determination to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our students, the acute shortage of decent accommodation, We see this project not just as bricks and mortar, but as a direct outcome of your resolve to create a conducive leaming environment where our students can thrive.
“We thank you most sincerely for finding time in your busy schedule to grace this occasion. Your presence elevates this event and reaffirms the Federal Government’s unwavering support for technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
“This act symbolises the beginning of a new era in the history of Yaba College of Technology, an era of expanded access, improved student welfare, and enhanced capacity to deliver quality technical and vocational education,” the rector said.
He praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education for driving infrastructure renewal in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abdul stated that the institution deliberately refused pressures to sell its landed assets within the Yaba educational district, choosing instead to maximise the land through strategic partnerships that would benefit students and staff.
“We have lands for more projects. Rather than selling, we will continue to embrace PPP arrangements and use the land maximally for the benefit of the college community,” he added.
The rector thanked the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the strategic intervention and Integrated Projects Limited, for their commitment to delivering a modern, high-quality facility. He also appreciated the Governing Council for their guidance and the entire management team for their dedication in making the day possible.
Representing the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funsho Isolaowa Afolabi, council member Chief Ebenezer Akinbolade described the project as a defining moment in the transformation of the institution.
He said: “The Governing Council of this great institution remain steadfast in our commitment to initiatives that promote excellence, sustainability, and innovation. The provision of modern student accommodation is a vital component of this vision, and this project represents a significant step in that direction.
”We sincerely commend the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and our private sector partner, Integrated Projects Limited, for this Impactful collaboration. This Public-Private Partnership model is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when stakeholders work together towards a common goal.”
He said the initiative would significantly improve students’ welfare, enhance learning conditions and strengthen the institution’s capacity to deliver quality technical education.
“The provision of modern student accommodation is a vital component of our vision for excellence, sustainability and innovation,” he added.
Akinbolade commended TETFund and Integrated Projects Limited for embracing a collaborative PPP model capable of accelerating infrastructural development in tertiary institutions.
Managing Director of Integrated Projects Limited, Arc.Olayinka Kusemiju, said the project would go beyond providing shelter by creating a safe environment for interaction, networking and character development among students.
“Education is not just about learning and graduating. Hostel accommodation provides opportunities for interpersonal relationships and leadership development,” he noted.
He disclosed that the project was backed by financial and technical partners including Keystone Bank.
Student leaders at the event welcomed the intervention, describing it as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to student welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Comrade Dewunmi Oluyemi thanked the Minister of Education for previous interventions affecting students and for extending what he called “renewed hope” to students of the institution.
The 1,500-bed development is expected to be completed within two years and is projected to substantially reduce the accommodation pressure facing students of Nigeria’s premier tertiary institution.
