The Federal Government has formally handed over 24 housing units built under the National Housing Programme (NHP) to the University of Ilesa, Osun State, as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable housing and support institutional growth nationwide.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the University campus on Thursday, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who was represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing Development, QS. Pemi Samuel Temitope, described the project as a strategic intervention to boost staff welfare and improve productivity within key national institutions.
He stated that “the provision of decent and affordable housing remains a top priority of the Federal Government, as it is fundamental to the well-being of citizens and the overall development of the nation.” He added that access to quality accommodation is essential for promoting stability and efficiency in public institutions.
The Minister underscored the critical role of universities in national development, noting that “as centres of knowledge, innovation and human capital development, universities must be supported with the necessary infrastructure, including adequate housing for their workforce.”
He further explained that the housing units delivered under the NHP are designed to provide a comfortable living environment, emphasizing that “this intervention will not only improve staff welfare but also enhance productivity and support the University’s drive towards academic excellence.”
Dangiwa commended the University’s management for its collaboration with the Ministry, describing it as “a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through effective synergy between government and public institutions.” He also urged the institution to maintain and utilize the facilities effectively to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Minister appreciated all stakeholders involved in the project’s successful delivery, reaffirming that “the Federal Government will continue to implement policies and programmes that promote access to affordable housing and improve the living standards of Nigerians.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, described the handover as “a major milestone in the University’s development,” particularly in advancing efforts to establish a Faculty of Technology.
He disclosed that the institution had been shortlisted by TETFund for High Impact Intervention Projects, adding that “with the acquisition of these housing units, we now have the critical infrastructure required to actualize our Faculty of Technology and expand our academic programmes.”
Prof. Asaolu noted that the development marks a historic moment, explaining that “this University operated as a College of Education for over 47 years before its transition into a conventional university, and this marks another significant step in our growth journey.”
He further revealed that the University had experienced significant accommodation challenges, especially in meeting accreditation requirements for programmes such as Law, Medicine, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. “Despite the presence of these structures within our campus, we could not access them, and we were compelled to convert classrooms into temporary hostel facilities,” he said, while appreciating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for facilitating the transfer.
The event highlights the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving living conditions and supporting educational institutions through targeted housing initiatives.
