Ilorin Central Mosque to build 250 bed hostel in Unilorin

The University of Ilorin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque for the construction of a 250-bed hostel at the institution’s main campus. The initiative is aimed at easing the accommodation challenges faced by students, while also providing a sustainable source of income for the upkeep of the Central […]

The University of Ilorin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque for the construction of a 250-bed hostel at the institution’s main campus.

The initiative is aimed at easing the accommodation challenges faced by students, while also providing a sustainable source of income for the upkeep of the Central Mosque.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Danmadami of Ilorin and Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the Mosque, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, said the University of Ilorin was chosen as the first beneficiary of the project because of its reputation, influence and impact in the Nigerian educational landscape.

He explained that proceeds from the hostel would be used to maintain the iconic Central Mosque, which has faced funding challenges since its reconstruction.

“This project is both a service to students and a means of generating sustainable income for the Mosque,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, signed on behalf of the institution, while Alhaji AbdulGafar signed for the Mosque.

In his remarks, Professor Egbewole praised the Ilorin Central Mosque for its foresight and assured that the project would be properly managed and maintained.

Also speaking, the Legal Adviser to the Mosque, Professor Yusuf Ola Olu Ali (SAN), described the hostel as a significant humanitarian gesture.

He noted that in the present economic reality, the government alone cannot meet the accommodation needs of students in tertiary institutions.

Professor Ali, who is also the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, said the intervention of faith based organisations and individuals in hostel development would not only provide comfort for students but also help reduce the persistent shortage of campus accommodation.

The Director of the Physical Planning Unit of the University, Mr. Toyin Jimoh, said the design of the hostel was carefully processed to meet institutional standards.

He said the facility would be a smart building with solar power to ensure steady electricity supply during outages.

According to officials, the project is expected to be completed within one year, and a site had already been allocated by the University.