FG Reaffirms Affordable Housing Drive, Delivers 24 Units to Osun University
The Federal Government has officially handed over 24 housing units constructed under the National Housing Programme (NHP) to the University of Ilesa in Osun State, reinforcing its dedication to expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening institutional development across Nigeria.
Strategic Intervention for Staff Welfare and Productivity
At the handover ceremony on the university campus, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, represented by the Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, Pemi Samuel Temitope, described the initiative as a strategic intervention. He emphasized that providing decent and affordable housing remains a top priority for the government, as it is fundamental to citizen well-being and national progress.
Dangiwa highlighted that access to quality accommodation plays a critical role in promoting stability and efficiency within public institutions, with universities holding a central position in national development. "As centres of knowledge, innovation, and human capital development, universities must be supported with necessary infrastructure, including adequate housing for their workforce," he stated.
Enhancing Academic Excellence Through Infrastructure
The minister noted that the housing units, delivered under the NHP, are designed to offer a conducive living environment. "This intervention will not only improve staff welfare but also enhance productivity and support the University's drive towards academic excellence," he added. Dangiwa commended the university management for their collaboration with the ministry, calling it a clear demonstration of effective synergy between government and public institutions.
He urged the university to ensure proper maintenance and optimal utilization of the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability. Dangiwa also thanked stakeholders involved in the project, reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing policies that promote affordable housing and improve living standards for Nigerians.
University Leadership Hails Milestone for Growth
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, described the handover as a major milestone in the institution's development, particularly in advancing plans to establish a Faculty of Technology. He explained that the university, which operated as a College of Education for over 47 years before transitioning into a conventional university, views this as another significant step in its growth journey.
Prof. Asaolu revealed that the university has been shortlisted by TETFund for its High Impact Intervention Projects. "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," he said. He highlighted previous accommodation challenges, noting that despite existing structures on campus, they were inaccessible, forcing the conversion of classrooms into temporary hostel facilities to meet accreditation requirements for programmes like Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science.
The event underscores the Federal Government's continued commitment to improving living standards and supporting educational institutions through targeted housing interventions, aligning with broader efforts to foster national development and institutional resilience.
