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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.
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.