Yakubu Gowon varsity seeks PPPs to tackle hostel deficit
The Vice-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has announced renewed strategic efforts to upgrade the institution’s ICT infrastructure while addressing persistent hostel accommodation challenges amid rising student enrolment. Speaking at the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held yesterday at the Main Campus Convocation Ground, the Vice-Chancellor said […]
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The Vice-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has announced renewed strategic efforts to upgrade the institution’s ICT infrastructure while addressing persistent hostel accommodation challenges amid rising student enrolment.
Speaking at the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held yesterday at the Main Campus Convocation Ground, the Vice-Chancellor said the University is strengthening partnerships with key agencies, including Galaxy Backbone, to significantly improve internet access for teaching, learning and research.
According to him, the ICT upgrade is part of deliberate steps taken since his assumption of office to reposition the University to meet global academic standards and support students’ academic and research needs. He stressed that reliable digital infrastructure is now central to effective teaching, innovation and knowledge production in modern universities.
Professor Fawehinmi, however, acknowledged that hostel accommodation remains a major challenge as the University continues to attract a growing number of applicants from across the country. He disclosed that over 30,000 candidates applied for admission in the 2025/2026 academic session, but only about 8,000 were admitted due to capacity constraints.
To address the accommodation gap, the Vice-Chancellor said the University is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), while also exploring public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives to provide additional and improved hostel facilities. He added that existing hostels are being maintained and that student safety and security remain a top priority of the administration.