Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited (APPNL) is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony of the 1600-capacity student housing project in Akwa Ibom State University being undertaken by Africa Plus Partners in conjunction with the University, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Family Homes Fund.
The ceremony, which held on 15 May 2024, marks the official commencement of the broader student housing project undertaken by Africa Plus Partners targeted at over 40,000 students across Tertiary Institutions in the 6 (six) geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Attendees of the ceremony included:
- Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy (represented by Mr. Udo Okokon Ekanem, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance)
- Idongesit Etiebet, Honourable Commissioner for Education Akwa Ibom State (representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State)
- Sonny S.T. Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFund
- Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar, MD, Family Homes Funds
- Nse Essien, Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University
In his introductory remarks, the Managing Director of Africa Plus Partners – Mr. Adeniran Ajakaiye, stated that Africa Plus Partners initiated this project upon recognizing a substantial gap in the tertiary education accommodation in Nigeria, exceeding 80%, emphasizing the risks posed to students by inadequate living conditions. He also said – “This is why Africa Plus Partners has meticulously designed an accommodation scheme to support approximately 40,000 students in tertiary institutions nationwide, aligning with our commitment to enable students to focus on their studies rather than their living conditions”
Mr. Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy (represented by Mr. Udo Okokon Ekanem, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance) commented “the commendable project would be replicated in 36 tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country and will tackle the deficit in hostel accommodation for students to improve reading and learning culture amongst them”.
Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, Honourable Commissioner for Education Akwa Ibom State (representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State) commended Africa Plus Partners and other promoters of the hostel project for their efforts meant to boost learning environment for students, adding that the measure of growth of any society is represented by investment in education.
Mr. Sonny S.T. Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFund commented – “The Fund would spend N72bn for the building of modern hostels in tertiary institutions across the country in the next two years. We applaud our partners in the project, Africa Plus Partners and Family Home Funds for their commitment and drive towards providing conducive residence for undergraduates to boost innovative learning and research.”
