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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.
The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has threatened to mobilise 50 million supporters to protest against the United States and its allies, accusing them of meddling in Nigeria’s affairs ahead of an anticipated release of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) files on President Bola Tinubu’s past.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Prof. Kailani Muhammad, Director-General of the group, condemned the U.S. for allegedly attempting to distract Tinubu with decades-old allegations of drug-related cases and money laundering from the 1990s.
“We want America and its allies to leave our president alone,” Muhammad declared, noting that the release of the files has been postponed by 90 days. “Why shift it? Forget about it.”
Muhammad accused the U.S. of double standards, pointing to issues like racism and drug-related crimes in America while ignoring Nigeria’s internal challenges.
“You are always focusing on Nigeria,” he said, referencing past predictions of Nigeria’s disintegration by former U.S. President Barack Obama.
“We are no more slaves. We cannot let you determine our internal affairs.”
The group demanded that the U.S. provide intelligence on bandits operating in Nigeria and their sponsors, threatening to “chase all foreigners out” if their demands are unmet.
Muhammad urged Tinubu’s administration to focus on economic stability, job creation, and agricultural development to address Nigeria’s hardships, including the high cost of living and the inadequacy of the N75,000 minimum wage, which many state governors have yet to implement.
“What can N75,000 buy in Nigeria today?” Muhammad asked, calling for increased focus on solid minerals and agriculture to create wealth and jobs.
“Nigeria has all it takes to be a great country. All hands must be on deck.”
Chief Hon. Chukwuebuka Obidike, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has rejected the recent allegations levied against Seyi Tinubu regarding the purported assault and abduction of Comrade Atiku Isah, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a conversation with our reporter, Obidike characterized these allegations as unfounded, malicious, and a misguided effort to damage the reputation of the President’s son while undermining his charitable contributions.
“It is profoundly troubling that Comrade Atiku Isah would resort to such measures to implicate Seyi Tinubu in matters he is not involved in,” Obidike stated. “Seyi Tinubu is a dedicated Nigerian who has consistently championed youth empowerment and national progress. Linking him to acts of violence is not only unfair but utterly reprehensible.”
Obidike, who also holds the position of Chairman at Clarivo Oil & Gas Limited, emphasized that Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots initiatives and ongoing support for marginalized communities—particularly in Northern Nigeria—cannot be extinguished by “petty blackmail” or “misguided attacks” from the NANS President.
He further suggested that these accusations are part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining the goodwill Seyi Tinubu enjoys, especially among youth in the north, in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Obidike called for security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter to reveal the truth. He also urged Comrade Isah and the NANS leadership to redirect their focus toward authentic student advocacy and educational reform, rather than allowing their organization to be a platform for political smear campaigns.
In closing, Obidike reaffirmed his steadfast support for Seyi Tinubu, asserting that no amount of intimidation would hinder his efforts to uplift the underprivileged and foster a positive impact on Nigerian youth.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora (Rtd) is more than just a retired military officer he is a living embodiment of discipline, selflessness, and spiritual conviction. With close to 30 years of distinguished military service, General Gora’s legacy continues to resonate beyond the battlefield. His guiding philosophy is built upon unwavering values such as humility, honour, and a profound respect for human life. His principles are not abstract ideals, but actionable beliefs that have shaped every stage of his journey.
In a world where ego often leads, General Gora believes that humility is a far greater strength than arrogance. For him, humility allows leaders to listen attentively, act compassionately, and lead with wisdom. It cultivates patience and empathy, qualities essential for unity and understanding. Rather than viewing humility as a weakness, he recognises it as a powerful tool for personal growth and effective leadership. In every setting military or civilian he has led by example, always placing people before power.
Respect, according to General Gora, is the glue that holds communities and nations together. It is not just about courtesy; it is about acknowledging the dignity of others. His leadership style has always revolved around respect for subordinates, colleagues, and adversaries alike. Equally central to his life philosophy is the value of selfless service. General Gora has always believed that the highest calling is to serve others, especially in times of hardship. Whether addressing poverty, illness, or injustice, he consistently acts from a place of compassion.
Deeply spiritual, General Gora attributes his inner strength and resilience to his faith in God. He believes that love and the desire to serve are divine gifts, empowering individuals to rise above selfish interests and contribute meaningfully to society. Every act of kindness, in his view, is a reflection of God’s grace. His Christian faith informs his moral compass and underpins his unwavering dedication to national and communal service. By embracing this divine calling, he lives out his purpose with a sense of joy and fulfilment.
General Gora’s heart is moved by the suffering of others. Whether it’s the sting of hunger, the pain of illness, or the shadow of despair, he feels a personal obligation to alleviate hardship wherever possible. He envisions a future where every citizen’s basic needs are met a society built on compassion, justice, and opportunity. His hope is not passive; it drives his ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities and advocate for meaningful change.
Authenticity has been the bedrock of General Gora’s character. He believes in remaining true to one’s values, even in the face of adversity. Rather than conforming to external expectations, he has consistently chosen the path of integrity, striving to align his actions with his beliefs. For him, success is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the positive impact one leaves behind. His journey is a powerful reminder that living authentically is not only liberating it is essential for lasting fulfilment.
Every goal General Gora sets is grounded in clear intention. He approaches life with dedication, joy, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether achieving a milestone or facing a setback, he meets each experience with grace, trusting that the journey itself is as important as the destination. His commitment to purpose-driven living is evident in his personal life, his military service, and his continued engagement with social causes. This clarity vision of Gen. Gora fuels his determination and inspires those around him to pursue excellence with integrity.
General Gora’s mission in life extends beyond personal success. He firmly believes that each person is born with a God-given purpose, and that fulfilment comes from serving that purpose faithfully. Whether through national defence, community upliftment, or spiritual growth, his ultimate aim has always been to make a meaningful difference. He finds value in small acts of kindness and believes in the ripple effect of positive change. For him, even the smallest contribution to humanity is significant.
The true measure of a successful life, according to General Gora, lies in the legacy one leaves behind. He is not concerned with accolades or recognition; instead, he strives to leave the world better than he found it. His ambition is not driven by ego, but by a heartfelt desire to improve lives, foster unity, and inspire future generations. By nurturing others, standing for justice, and promoting peace, he continues to plant seeds of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
As he reflects on his remarkable journey, one core belief shines through: unity is the foundation of collective progress. “United we stand, divided we fall” is not just a slogan for General Gora it is a truth that he has lived by. He understands that true strength lies in togetherness, and that a united people can overcome even the greatest of challenges. His vision for the future is one of cooperation, shared success, and national pride.
Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora (Rtd) stands as a beacon of principled leadership in an ever-changing world. His life serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in dominance, but in service and humanity.