The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has donated a block of hostel accommodation to the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Niger State.
The project, which is being carried out under the philanthropic initiative of BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, is anticipated to provide hostel accommodation for undergraduate students on the university’s main campus.
When completed, the hostel will house 108 students and have auxiliary services such as laundries, kitchenettes, common rooms, and the warden’s quarters.
Dr Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, announced during the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday that the project would cost N250 million and be completed within six months. He said this initiative has already benefited 30 universities in Nigeria, with 22 receiving N250 million each and six receiving N1 billion each.
Dr Udoh said FUT Minna’s strong reputation, ranking among the top 10 in Nigeria and top 2500 globally by Webometrics, contributed to its selection for the grant. He urged students to utilise the state-of-the-art facilities responsibly.
The vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, highlighted the severe accommodation shortage, with only 3,129 out of 26,000 students having on-campus housing. He said the shortage has forced many students to live off-campus, raising concerns about their safety and security.