FUT VC Seeks Private Sector Help for Student Hostels

The Deputy Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Niger State, Professor Faruk Kuta, has stated that at least 23,000 ...

The Deputy Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Niger State, Professor Faruk Kuta, has stated that at least 23,000 students from the institution live outside the university premises.

Kuta revealed this during the opening of a newly built student dormitory by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, where the vice chancellor urged the private sector to follow ASR's example in tackling student housing challenges.

The VC highlighted that housing is the most critical need for managing any university to guarantee the safety and well-being of those living within the university community.

Kuta revealed that the newly opened hostel is intended for male students at the university's medical college, who he mentioned will return from their December break.

I am feeling extremely excited and joyful, and it's impossible to measure the happiness I'm experiencing right now. One of the main goals of managing a university is to make sure your students are safe and secure. The only way to achieve this is by providing on-campus housing for your students.

So, this is an achievement we have been looking forward to, and we have finally reached it today, thanks to ASR Africa, and we are extremely thankful.

I am definitely reaching out to more people from the private sector to assist us. If you examine the situation, you will find that the country cannot supply everything the citizens require. The government alone cannot handle everything. We need the private sector to step in and contribute in various ways, particularly in providing student hostel accommodations.

"The total student population is approximately 30,000, and at this moment, with the current capacity we have, we can comfortably support around 7,000 students. You can therefore understand how many are still left out. This is a significant issue for us, which is why we are urging private organizations to get involved, following the approach that Abdul Samad Rabiu has taken with us," the vice chancellor stated.

The managing director of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, mentioned in his comments that the hostel is a part of ASR Africa's initiative to improve student housing and well-being on campus, offering a supportive setting for studying, relaxation, and individual growth.

He revealed that the N310 million Students' Hostel Building, supported through the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme, is a facility designed for 110 residents, featuring a shared area, reception desk, student dormitory, supervisor's office, kitchen, and laundry room, along with clearly marked multiple exits.

"Over the next two years, ASR Africa will regularly visit the school to check on the condition of the hostel in collaboration with the school for shared responsibility regarding upkeep. Our efforts aim to ensure that students are the ultimate recipients, as demonstrated by recent completed projects," Udoh stated.

The head of the Niger State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Sirajo Said, who acted on behalf of the state governor, Mohammed Bago, praised ASR Africa and its Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for providing the university with the hostel donation.

He characterized the action as commendable and deserving of imitation by other business entities. He urged ASR Africa to think about replicating the same gesture at the state university.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).