FG to Provide Over 38,400 Bed Spaces for Tertiary Institution Students in Nigeria

Closing the Student Housing Gap for Students in Tertiary Institutions

Each year, a significant number of students transition into higher education in Nigeria, reflecting a strong pursuit of tertiary knowledge among the nation's youth. Despite this enthusiasm, there's a notable deficit in essential amenities and infrastructure to accommodate these students adequately. In response, the Federal Government, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in partnership with Africa Plus Partners, has embarked on a mission to provide hostel accommodations for 38,400 students across 24 tertiary institutions in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Current Accommodation Challenges

Data indicates that the accommodation gap in tertiary institutions exceeds 80%. Reflecting on my undergraduate experience sometime in 2004, and observing the trends up to 2024, it is clear that the demand for tertiary education has significantly increased, exacerbating the accommodation deficit. This gap is particularly acute in some state-owned institutions, compelling students to seek costly off-campus housing. Such arrangements often lead to financial stress and limited access to essential amenities that could otherwise enhance academic performance.

Project launch

On May 15, 2024, key figures from both the government and private sector convened at Akwa Ibom State University for the inauguration of the Student Housing Project. This initiative, led by the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and overseen by Mr. Wale Edun, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, marks a major step in the national Students Housing Programme. The launch event heralded the beginning of a series of developments, with 23 additional tertiary institutions set to join the initiative. The first phase of this project aims to create 38,400 bed spaces across 24 tertiary institutions throughout Nigeria. This ambitious initiative not only aims to bridge the significant accommodation gap but also to foster a more conducive learning environment for Nigeria's burgeoning student population. By investing in such critical infrastructure, the government and its partners are laying the groundwork for more robust educational outcomes and, by extension, national development.

Project Overview

The PPP Hostel Accommodation initiative of the Federal Government aims to address student housing deficit by:

 Constructing and operating up to 24 units of 1,600-bed space student hostels across the 6 geopolitical zones, significantly reducing the accommodation infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

 Aligning with APPNL and the Federal Government of Nigeria's social impact goals, which include providing affordable accommodation and promoting well-being while supporting economic growth.

Project Site Features

 Capacity: Each site will cater for 1,600 students.

 Facilities: Include 32 reading rooms, common rooms, a cafeteria & restaurant, a laundromat, over 200 car parking spaces, grocery shops, salons, and extensive landscaping.

 Room Features: Ensuite rooms with comfortable bed spaces, study tables and chairs, ventilation fans, personal wardrobes, showers, baths, and 24/7 site support including access control, security, and surveillance.

About Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)

Establishment: Founded in 2003 and owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Campus Info: It currently operates a multi-campus system with the main campus at Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, and another at Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam.

About the Developers - Africa Plus Partners

Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited (APPNL) is a specialist in infrastructure fund management focused on Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. They manage Nigeria’s first equity-based, Naira-denominated infrastructure fund – the Africa Infrastructure Plus Fund (AIPF).

About Family Homes Fund

Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) is a key player in housing development focused on affordable homes for Nigerians within low to middle income brackets. Promoted by the Federal Government, FHFL has facilitated over 15,000 homes nationwide, creating substantial employment and boosting the local economy.

About TETFund

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was established to provide supplementary financial support to all levels of public tertiary institutions. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria through funding and effective project management.