AKSU KICKSTARTS A 1600-CAPACITY STUDENTS HOSTEL FACILITY
The Akwa Ibom State Government in partnership with TETFUND, Africa Plus Partners Limited and others have commenced the construction of 1600 capacity PPP student hostel in the Akwa Ibom State University main campus, Ikot AKPADEN, Mkpat Enin LGA.
Akwa Ibom state Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno expressed his delight as he welcomed the delegations from both the public and private sectors to the student hostel groundbreaking ceremony, describing it as a unique project.
Pastor Eno stated that “ the project will further boost our collective effort in providing a conducive environment for our students to study and come out as well-rounded graduates ready to face the world defined by opportunities and challenges.”
He commended all the critical partners of this project, especially the African-Plus Partners Nigeria Limited, the Tet-Fund, Family Homes Limited and all other stakeholders for jointly coming together to undertake the project.
The State helmsman who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet said that Education is the bedrock of every society and that justifies the deep attention given to the education sector at all levels as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda where the ‘E’ connotes educational advancement.
He noted that his government has placed top priority on education and is quick to respond to educational concerns through impactful programs like the institutionalization of 100 Million Naira Education Trust Fund for students with disabilities, Bursaries for students, among others in public tertiary institutions to help them pursue their education without let or hindrance, positing that “although not every child was born with the same endowment, all of them must be given equal opportunity to develop their God-given potentials.”
Pastor Eno affirmed that tertiary institutions are very important for the overall development of the mind and needed skills for Nigerian children, and highly commended the well-conceived initiative of the construction of the 1600-capacity Private Partnership Project Student Hostel, which will reduce significantly, the accommodation challenges for students of the institution.
He equally made known that the state government has in many ways contributed to the educational advancement of the tertiary schools by ensuring that the basic needs of the institutions are provided with an example being the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads within the AKSU campus for ease of movement within the university.
The Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr Wale Edun asserted that the ground-breaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in educational support and it exemplifies the government’s resolve to nurture the minds and well-being of the nation’s future leaders.
The Honorable Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance – Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo disclosed that the N98.2 billion nationwide program of the Federal Government in
partnership with states and the private sector will construct 24 housing
facilities across 24 institutions, each with approximately 1,600-bed spaces and will benefit all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Stating that “the increasing number of students seeking higher education, the student
accommodation deficit across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions is estimated to
be in excess of +80% of demand, therefore by tackling this deficit, we aim to enhance student performance and overall well-being significantly.”
He conveyed gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his ardent vision and commitment to the overall advancement of the education sector through laudable policies and programs.
He celebrated the strong partnerships and shared vision that makes projects like these possible. “Together, under the guidance of President Tinubu’s agenda, we are not only building infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and educated Nigeria” he added.
He also called on leaders from both the public and private sectors to join in the transformative endeavour that will avail our future leaders of the educational infrastructure and opportunities to build the future of our great nation.
The Vice Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom University, Prof. Nse Essien in his remarks thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for ingenuity for educational excellence in the institutions across the nation, the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his immense support towards the development of the institution and the conducive ambience of the state to attract education projects such as the citing of the 1600 capacity PPP students hostel in the institution, the Honorable Minster for Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy; Mr Wale Edun, the Executive Secretary for TETFUND; Arch. Sonny Echono, the Honorable Commissioner for Education; Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and the implementing partners; Africa Plus Partners Limited and Family Home Funds Limited.
He admitted that the groundbreaking of this major project is a dream come true for the University Management, students and the entire University Community. “Over the years, lack of suitable accommodation has been quite challenging for our students, as it has affected their living conditions and sometimes has posed security threats to them. We have been faced with situations where candidates prefer other institutions that provide accommodation as their first choice thereby denying us the opportunity to admit students to fill our carrying capacity. This challenge has also given competing institutions an edge over us irrespective of the fact that our academic standards and facilities are one of the best in Nigeria” he expressed.
The Varsity boss acknowledged that it is indeed a momentous occasion in the life of the University and signifies a renewed commitment to improve the student’s experience by providing a safe and conducive environment for learning, living and personal growth as the new facility will not only address the critical need for student accommodation but will foster a stronger sense of community and belonging among the students and also create opportunities that would be beneficial to the host community.
Professor Essien avowed that the hostel will be a home away from home, offering modern amenities, comfortable living spaces, and opportunities for social interaction and collaboration and will also be a centre of learning and establishing friendships that will go beyond the walls of this University.
Similarly, in their remarks, the Managing Director of African Plus Partners; Mr. Adeniran Ajakaiye and the Managing Director of Family Homes Fund; Mr. Abdul Mutallab Mukthar expressed excitement to be part of this significant project which seeks to
address the huge shortage of quality and affordable housing for students.
Corroborating this innovative partnership will enable them to do a lot more by combining resources to bridge the gap between traditional forms of development funding and the financing required to achieve development goals, using their management experience and technical support to create safe, sustainable, and conducive living spaces for the students thereby enhancing their overall academic experience.
The goal is for every student in Nigeria to have access to quality housing and they were delighted over the confidence reposed on them to execute the lofty project and promised that together with all relevant partners, they will work assiduously to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youths and the school environment.
The Registar of the University, Dr Ebi Eno-Ibanga while giving her vote of thanks, expressed utmost appreciation to the Federal Government, State Government, TETFUND, Africa Plus Partners Limited, Family Home Funds Limited, the Transition Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area; Hon. Mercy Bassey and extended the gratitude from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien, Deputy Vice Chancellors, University Librarian, Bursar, the students and the entire University community for the groundbreaking ceremony will mark the journey to owning a state-of-the-art 1600 bed- capacity hostel in the University.
This project is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Africa Plus Partnership Nigeria Limited
(APPNL) to construct 2 blocks of hostels that will house 800 students each; amounting to 1600 bed space. It is an all ensuite hostel with ancillary facilities that would add to the convenience of the students and the project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
