President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of N250 billion as intervention package to tackle the long-standing student accommodation deficit across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of chairmen and members of governing boards of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, alongside the appointment and reappointment of key institutional leaders.
Alausa described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that it marks the first time such a significant level of funding would be committed within a single year to expand hostel infrastructure nationwide.
According to the minister, the intervention, approved by President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, will support the construction of new hostels and the expansion of existing facilities across federal institutions.
While providing a breakdown of the plan, Alausa revealed that no fewer than 50 tertiary institutions would receive N2 billion each for hostel projects, with each expected to deliver a minimum of 500 bed spaces.
The funds will be disbursed through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, which is coordinating the implementation.
“We are spending N2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions. Each project will deliver about 500 bed spaces, and the funds have been mobilised via TETFund,” he said.
The minister further disclosed an additional N80 billion earmarked for Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangements to deliver between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces in 24 federal tertiary institutions. Under the arrangement, TETFund will provide N1 billion as counterpart funding, while private partners will contribute N3 billion per institution.
Alausa noted that the broader reforms in the education sector are anchored on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology, and aligning educational outcomes with national development priorities.
He charged the newly inaugurated board members and institutional heads to provide strategic leadership, ensure accountability, and uphold transparency in the management of public resources.
The minister also urged them to consolidate existing gains while driving innovation and strengthening the link between policy and implementation.
While reaffirming government’s commitment to repositioning education as a cornerstone of national development, the minister stressed that sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital remains critical to long-term transformation.
“I urge you to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Your mandate is clear: build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships,” he said.
On her part, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmed, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition Nigeria’s education sector through strategic reforms, improved quality assurance, and enhanced skills development.
Ahmed described the inauguration ceremony as timely, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to boost service delivery, credibility, and global competitiveness in the sector.
She said the administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political will by prioritising education through bold reforms and targeted investments aimed at expanding access and promoting equity.
The minister noted that the National Examinations Council is leveraging technology to improve the credibility of public examinations, while the National Board for Technical Education is advancing technical and vocational education through curriculum modernisation and stronger industry alignment.
Ahmed also announced the approval of an eight-month facility-sharing arrangement between Federal University of Technology Minna and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University to support medical training and accreditation.
She stressed that the initiative reflects government’s commitment to collaboration, optimal use of resources, and ensuring students receive quality education.
Among those inaugurated were Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Prof. Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council, NECO, and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.
Also appointed were Engr. Dr. Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State; Prof. Tijani Kalli as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama; Mr. Abba Kaka Goni as Registrar; Mrs. Aisha Halilu as Librarian; and Mr. Bashir Zubairu as Bursar of the same institution.
