FG reaffirms affordable housing, hands over 24 houses to Osun Varsity
From Cornelius Essen, Abuja.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed as part of its efforts to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen institutional development, officially handing over 24 housing units constructed under the National Housing Programme (NHP) to the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
Speaking at the University campus, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at improving staff welfare and enhancing productivity in key national institutions.
Represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing Development, Pemi Samuel Temitope, he explained, “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.”
Dangiwa further noted that access to quality accommodation plays a critical role in promoting stability and efficiency across public institutions, stressing that universities occupy a central position in national development.
He emphasized that “as centres of knowledge, innovation and human capital development, universities must be supported with the necessary infrastructure, including adequate housing for their workforce.”
According to the Minister, the housing units were delivered under the NHP, designed to provide a conducive living environment, noting that “this intervention will not only improve staff welfare but also enhance productivity and support the University’s drive towards academic excellence.”
While commending the management of the University for its sustained collaboration with the Ministry,he described it as “a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through effective synergy between government and public institutions.”
He therefore urged the University to ensure proper maintenance and optimal utilization of the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability.
The Minister thanked stakeholders involved in the successful execution of the project, 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 a remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, described the handover as “a major milestone in the University’s development,” particularly in advancing plans to establish a Faculty of Technology.
Prof. Asaolu noted that the development is historic, 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 hinted that the they have been shortlisted by TETFund for its High Impact Intervention Projects, adding, “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 revealed that they had faced serious 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. We appreciate the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for facilitating the transfer.”
The event underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving living standards and supporting educational institutions through targeted housing interventions.
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