Akwa Ibom State University, in partnership with Africa Plus Partners, has disclosed a plan to commence the construction of a 1,600-capacity student hostel.
This initiative, backed by TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund), marks a pivotal step in addressing the growing demand for student housing across Nigerian institutions.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, announced this groundbreaking development, slated to launch on May 15th, 2024, during a workshop held in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a N1 billion allocation for the 2024 intervention cycle underscores the commitment to bolstering infrastructure in tertiary institutions through public-private partnerships.
Echono emphasised the critical role of private sector collaboration in supplementing government efforts to meet the surging enrollment rates in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.
The selected institutions, totaling 12 across various regions, will benefit from the allocated funds to address student accommodation deficits.
“This partnership with Africa Plus Partners at Akwa Ibom State University signifies a major step forward in enhancing student welfare and global competitiveness of our tertiary institutions,” stated Echono during the workshop.
The initiative also aims to enhance the teaching profession, as highlighted by TETFund’s efforts to revitalize teaching practices and support within faculties of education.
Addressing discrepancies in funding methodologies between TETFund and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Echono stressed the need for harmonisation to ensure equitable support for supervisors and student-teachers across all academic ranks.
