The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), has initiated the construction of a 168-room ultra-modern hostel for medical students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The groundbreaking and site handover took place on Wednesday at the proposed site within the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba.
The project, executed by Colton Construction Limited, is designed to house two students per room across three floors, marking the first hostel of its kind at UNILAG.
Dr. Anthony Ajulo, CEO of Colton Construction, said the initiative aligns with the government’s objectives of boosting the number of doctors and nurses trained annually in Nigeria.
“This is a modern, self-contained student hostel. It will significantly aid in producing 1,000 doctors per year at UNILAG. Completion is expected within 24 months,” Ajulo stated.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
Dr. Collins Balogun, Principal Partner at Colton Construction, emphasized that upgrading student accommodation is critical to mitigating brain drain and increasing medical graduate numbers nationwide.
“The President’s directive is for universities to produce at least 20,000 medical doctors annually. Proper infrastructure, including hostels close to hospitals, is vital to achieving this goal,” he said.
University Response
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunshola, praised the initiative, noting that infrastructure constraints had previously limited student intake and healthcare workforce growth.
“We need more healthcare personnel in Nigeria. The new hostel will support increased enrollment and training of medical students, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system,” she said.
- Project Significance
- Project Type: 100% Federal Government-funded via TETFUND
- Rooms: 168, self-contained
- Floors: 3
- Occupancy: 2 students per room
- Expected Completion: 24 months
Objective: Expand medical workforce and improve student living standards
The hostel forms part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects a long-term plan to expand healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria. Similar projects are expected in other universities to increase the national supply of qualified medical professionals.
