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Enhancing On-Campus Accommodation At The University Of Abuja: A Vision By Na’Allah
By Bolaji P. O. Adedeji
In recent years, securing accommodation at Nigerian Federal universities has become increasingly challenging.
The University of Abuja, situated in the Federal Capital Territory, faces similar difficulties.
However, under the visionary leadership of Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, positive changes are transforming the accommodation landscape for students.
Obtaining admission to study at Nigerian Federal universities is no small feat, but finding suitable accommodation can be an even greater challenge.
Traditionally, fresh and final year students were granted priority for on-campus housing, ensuring their safety and focus on studies.
However, the accommodation landscape has shifted dramatically, particularly in federal institutions like the University of Abuja.
The University of Abuja, established in 1988, has long grappled with limited on-campus accommodations.
Many students aspire to live on campus, where they can conveniently attend lectures, socialize, and thrive in a scholarly environment.
This desire has grown as the university has flourished under Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah’s leadership.
Under Na’Allah’s tenure, the university has witnessed rapid infrastructural and academic development, attracting an increasing number of candidates.
Over the past two admission cycles, a staggering 60,000 applicants vied for a spot at the university.
However, despite the high demand, the university could only accommodate 3,500 students in its hostels last year, leaving nearly half without on-campus housing.
In the past, students who couldn’t secure hostel accommodation often resorted to squatting with friends or buying space from others.
However, Na’Allah’s administration has cracked down on squatting and hostel racketeering, making it significantly harder for students to illegally obtain housing on campus.
Consequently, many students have had no choice but to seek accommodation in nearby villages, such as Giri, Ido, Gwagwalada, Dagiri, and Anagada.
This has brought its own set of problems, including expensive rent and safety concerns due to the risk of bandit and robber attacks.
Some students have even been involved in accidents while commuting to campus for classes.
Fortunately, the University of Abuja’s management has taken steps to address the accommodation challenges.
Through Public Private Partnerships (PPP), the university is collaborating with external housing providers to offer additional off-campus housing options for students.
Organizations like Near Foundation, Vento Furniture, and Student Accommodate are working to create more than 2,000 additional bed spaces for students.
In 2021, two state-of-the-art hostels for male and female students were completed, along with their external works and furnishing.
Additionally, a students’ activity centre is currently in progress.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also completed and handed over the Postgraduate School Hostel to the university, and the Medical Students Hostel in Gwagwalada became available for student use.
These developments have raised hopes that more students will find on-campus accommodation.
Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah envisions a university where all students can reside on campus.
He emphasizes that living on campus fosters a better academic environment.
His administration also maintains a focus on repairing and maintaining hostel facilities to ensure a conducive living environment for students.
As Na’Allah’s tenure nears its end, it is crucial to continue efforts to increase on-campus accommodation capacity.
This could involve constructing new residence halls or expanding existing ones.
Additionally, exploring financial support options such as scholarships or grants for housing expenses can alleviate the financial burden on students.
Establishing dedicated information and support services for students in their search for accommodation is essential.
These services should include comprehensive housing listings, rental guidelines, and guidance on navigating the rental process.
Addressing accommodation challenges requires long-term planning.
The university should collaborate with relevant stakeholders, conduct feasibility studies, engage housing experts, and prioritize the construction of additional student housing facilities.
With sustained development efforts, it won’t be long before Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah’s vision of accommodating all students on campus becomes a reality at the University of Abuja.
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.