The University of Lagos has taken a major step forward in its mission to expand student accommodation capacity, as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, OON, led members of the University Management to a Site Handover Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, marking the commencement of physical development works under the institution’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) hostel expansion programme.
The ceremony represents the next phase of the Town-Gown strategy which leverages PPP, earlier introduced to address the institution’s accommodation gap and improve students living experience. The initiative gained renewed momentum last year when the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) facilitated investor engagement between the University and private-sector stakeholders, leading to streamlined agreements and programme validation.
Nearly four years after UNILAG began initial engagements with prospective investors, navigating what Vice-Chancellor Ogunsola described as a “rigorous and necessary regulatory pathway”, the University has now formally handed over designated project sites to the concessionaires who successfully completed all procedural and compliance benchmarks.
The three concessionaires officially awarded the development rights, and present at the handover ceremony include:
- Advent Integrated Services Limited represented by Managing Director Mr. Goke Dokun,
- Paradigm Hostels Limited, led by Mr. Michael Ozigbo, and
- Diamantaire Limited, represented by Managing Director Mr. Segun Abijo.
Reward for Patience and Resilience
Speaking at the event, Professor Ogunsola commended the concessionaires for their patience, resilience, and confidence in the University throughout the duraton of the negotiations. She described the occasion as “a turning point where vision transitions to implementation,” reaffirming that UNILAG remained committed to honoring its obligations under the partnership.
“We are grateful for your belief in this institution and in the potential of this partnership,” she stated. “Today’s handover marks not just a procedural milestone but a shared commitment to provide modern, safe, and dignified living spaces for our students. As you build, know that you are also shaping futures.”
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged the private developers to incorporate internship opportunities for students enrolled in architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, and other construction-related disciplines, ensuring the project contributes directly to capacity development and applied learning.
Grateful Partners
In response, the concessionaires expressed appreciation for the University’s resolve and transparency throughout the negotiation and approval phases. They pledged to deliver durable, state-of-the-art hostel facilities within record timeframes and maintain open communication channels to sustain collaboration.
“We are proud to be part of this milestone,” one of the concessionaire leads noted. “This partnership reflects trust and long-term vision. We assure the University of Lagos community that what will emerge here are facilities built to global standards. They will be functional, modern, and enduring.”
Other top members of the university community who were present at the ceremony include: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor ’Muyiwa Falaiye FNAL; the Registrar, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, Registrar; the Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle; the University Librarian, Professor Christopher Okiki; Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola, alongside student leaders and representatives from the Works and Physical Planning Directorate.
Saturday’s handover signals the beginning of early-stage site preparation, with construction expected to kick off immediately after final mobilisation by the concessionaires.
FUTURE-READY University
The University of Lagos continues to welcome responsible and innovative private-sector participation in areas aligned with its development priorities, as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen infrastructure, enhance student experience, and build a globally competitive learning environment.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi & David Adekunjo
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
One Response
Thisnisba right step in the right direction. It is our desired prayers that everything will turn out well for the desired benefit of all parties. Kudos to our able VC for her leadership virtues and passion for Unilag to excel.