The growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the management of student housing in the United Kingdom offers valuable insights for property managers in Nigeria.

While student accommodation in Nigeria is still developing, the UK experience demonstrates how technology can improve efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and investment returns.

In Nigeria, developers like Student Accommod8 are beginning to explore this market, providing over 300 beds across campuses, with returns reportedly reaching 22 percent—significantly higher than the 4–5 percent seen in traditional residential projects, according to CEO Abayomi Onasanya. However, managing dispersed student housing remains a challenge for Nigerian operators.

In the UK, property management firms such as VerbaFlo have integrated AI platforms to automate communications with tenants across multiple channels, including voice, email, SMS, and webchat.

The technology allows property managers to respond instantly in over 180 languages, streamline operations, and optimize occupancy rates.

Today, VerbaFlo manages approximately 25 percent of all Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) beds in the UK, totaling 168,000 beds.

According to Propertywire, the AI platform generates about $100,000 in monthly revenue, with contracts exceeding $1.6 million.

The company projects surpassing $1.5 million in annual revenue by the end of the year, while expanding its footprint into five European markets, including the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Austria, and Germany.

Despite rising operational costs and affordability concerns, especially in cities like Sheffield where demand has dropped by 17.3 percent, UK student housing operators demonstrate that technology can maintain efficiency and secure tenant engagement.

For Nigeria, integrating AI in student housing could streamline communication, enhance occupancy management, and improve return on investment.

Experts suggest that as the local student housing market expands, lessons from the UK can help developers and property managers adopt smarter management practices, improve tenant experiences, and drive the sector’s growth.

The post How AI is Revolutionizing Student Housing Management in the UK: Lessons for Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ghana’s private sector recorded growth in October 2025 for the first time in four months, signaling a gradual recovery in business activity and employment across key sectors.

According to the latest data from the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the index rose to 50.3 in October from 49.8 in September, moving above the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction.

The improvement reflected a return to growth in output and new orders, alongside sustained increases in employment and inventories. Analysts attribute the recovery to improved customer demand and reduced selling prices, which boosted product affordability.

“The expansion hopefully sets the tone for further improvements over the rest of 2025 as new orders continue to rise,” said Andrew Harker, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The report noted that new orders increased for the ninth consecutive month, while firms continued to reduce their prices amid muted cost inflation. Wage pressures also eased to the joint-weakest level since early 2021.

Despite the rebound, business confidence dipped to a six-month low in October. However, 77% of surveyed firms said they expect higher output over the next year, supported by anticipated stability in exchange rates and further demand growth.

Employment levels also improved, extending a nine-month streak of job creation. Companies cited success in filling vacant positions and expanding purchasing activity to meet rising orders.

S&P Global added that while exchange rate fluctuations affected input costs, some firms benefited from the cedi’s appreciation, which helped moderate price pressures.

Economists say the October data points to a cautiously optimistic outlook for Ghana’s private sector as it continues to navigate currency volatility and subdued global demand.

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The Ogun State Government has announced plans to demolish and reconstruct the state’s legislative and commissioners’ quarters, which were originally built in 1976.

According to Jamiu Omoniyi, the Commissioner for Housing, a recent technical evaluation revealed that the structures have become unsafe and uneconomical to maintain despite several repairs over the years.

Omoniyi said the decision complies with the National Building Code of Nigeria (2006), which mandates that public buildings meet minimum safety standards.

“The existing quarters were constructed nearly 50 years ago. Over time, maintenance efforts have proven inadequate, and the buildings are no longer fit for habitation,” he stated.

He added that the new quarters would feature modern, energy-efficient designs and upgraded utilities as part of the state’s broader urban renewal and housing development plan.

The commissioner described the initiative as a long-term investment in safety and administrative efficiency, emphasizing that the project would prioritize transparency and local job creation through the engagement of indigenous contractors.

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Residents and business owners around a construction site at 28 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, have called on the state government to urgently address what they describe as a growing threat to lives and property from an ongoing multi-storey development.

The project, being undertaken by Diplomat Homes Limited, has come under criticism from occupants of nearby buildings, who allege that it violates basic safety standards. They claimed that the absence of standard protective measures such as barricades, safety nets, and shields has exposed them to constant danger.

According to the residents, falling planks, stones, and other materials from the site have damaged vehicles, walls, windows, and ceilings in adjoining properties. “It is only by God’s grace that no one has been hit so far,” one of the affected occupants said, expressing worry that the negligence could eventually lead to a fatal accident if left unchecked.

They also alleged that the developers, said to be linked to a prominent traditional ruler in the South West, have ignored repeated complaints about the safety hazards. Beyond the damage already recorded, residents stressed that the looming risk of serious injury makes immediate government intervention critical.

The group faulted the silence of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Ministry of Environment. They urged Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and other relevant authorities to enforce compliance before the project escalates into a major tragedy.

“We are appealing for urgent action to ensure the right safety standards are put in place,” another resident said, adding that government oversight remains the only safeguard against further losses.

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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has vowed to take decisive action to end the long-running clashes between the people of Biakpan in Biase Local Government Area and their neighbors in Etono 2, warning that the state will no longer tolerate bloodshed over land disputes.

Speaking in Calabar when he received a delegation from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star led by Patriarch Bassey Imowo, the governor described the crisis as embarrassing and damaging to the image of the state. He warned that where disputes over land persist, government would step in and assume control of the contested areas to forestall further violence. “The issues here are very serious. We have stepped into the Biakpan–Etono communal war. I believe we can settle this issue because we have made it clear to all restive communities that where there is controversy over lands, government will only have to take over such lands. That will avert continual bloodshed,” Otu said.

The governor lamented that the recurring violence had disrupted Biakpan’s role as a major pilgrimage and tourism hub, attracting thousands of visitors annually. He added that arrests had already been made and assured that those found guilty would face the law to serve as a deterrent. “With eminent personalities in both communities, I’m surprised that such barbaric acts have persisted. The persistent violence has been very disturbing because it also hampers tourism, a key revenue source for the state. But I am happy with the efforts and intervention by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu to bring the two communities together,” he added.

He blamed some of the escalation on lapses by officials who failed to act swiftly, noting that such negligence created room for the violence to grow. “My administration will not fold its arms and allow this to continue. We must end it once and for all,” he stressed.

Earlier, Patriarch Imowo praised the governor for his intervention but explained that the conflict had forced his organization to suspend pilgrimage activities in Biakpan, which normally attract thousands of religious tourists, scholars, and researchers. “Regrettably, the recent violent attacks and counter attacks on both communities has posed serious security threats and put on hold all our programmes in Biakpan and environs. There cannot be any form of development amidst such a dangerous situation. The religious tourists scheduled to pay homage to the birthplace of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu have been hampered, and this has slowed down economic benefits for the people,” Imowo said.

He appealed to the governor to prioritize restoring peace, stressing that only a stable atmosphere would encourage religious tourists, especially foreign nationals, to return. “It is when the atmosphere is peaceful that religious tourists will feel safe to resume regular visitations to Biakpan,” he added.

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Nigeria’s flood relief efforts have received a major boost following the donation of $1 million by the government of China to support victims across the worst-hit northern states. The signing of exchange notes for the donation took place in Abuja between the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.

Bagudu welcomed the intervention as timely and significant, assuring that the Federal Government would deploy the funds to deliver relief materials and restore livelihoods in communities devastated by flooding. “This support comes at a critical moment for many families who have lost homes and farmlands. It will complement our ongoing efforts to rebuild lives. We firmly believe that this gesture will further strengthen our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” the minister said.

He emphasized that the grant would be managed with full accountability. “A transparent framework will guide the disbursement to ensure assistance gets to the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and impactful way. Together with the Chinese Embassy, we have agreed on a joint monitoring and evaluation process,” he explained.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dunhai said China stood in solidarity with Nigeria during this difficult period. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and convey our support to affected families. In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he noted.

He added that the aid reflected China’s confidence in Nigeria’s recovery efforts. “We are very confident that under the strong leadership of the Federal Government and with the resilience of the Nigerian people, the country will overcome this hardship and rebuild homes in the near future,” Dunhai said.

The envoy also highlighted the broader cooperation between both nations. “Our comprehensive strategic partnership is progressing rapidly. Recently, President Xi Jinping announced zero-tariff treatment on hundreds of tariff lines for African countries, including Nigeria. This will create more opportunities for Nigeria’s exports, generate jobs, and strengthen economic growth,” he stated.

The Chinese aid is expected to directly benefit flood-affected communities in Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, and Adamawa states, which have borne the brunt of recent flooding disasters.

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The Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has begun the demolition of illegal structures and shanties along Ring Road 3, Nwaniba, and Airport Road in a move aimed at restoring designated green areas and ensuring public safety.

Chairman of the Authority, Anietie Eka, who supervised the exercise, explained that many of the demolished structures posed serious risks. “Some of the buildings were erected directly under high-tension power lines, some encroached beyond the approved building lines, while others were located on government-acquired lands where compensation had already been paid. Such violations cannot be overlooked because they endanger lives,” he said.

Eka noted that the operation also sought to reclaim green areas that had been overtaken by shanties and roadside businesses. He stressed that the designated spaces were essential to the city’s beautification and environmental sustainability. “Green areas are not for private or commercial use; they are for the collective benefit of the city. By reclaiming and restoring them, we are creating a healthier, safer, and more beautiful environment for all,” he added.

He further urged residents and developers to always seek proper approvals before commencing construction, reminding them that the safety of lives outweighs any potential financial gain. “Life is more valuable than profit, and we must all play our part in building a safer city,” Eka stated.

The UCCDA restated its commitment to achieving a well-planned and orderly capital city in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda, assuring residents that enforcement will continue until illegal developments are brought under control.

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A midnight building collapse in Karaoke, Zaria City, Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of a mother and her three children, leaving the community in deep mourning.

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, when the wall of a neighbouring mud house fell onto the victims’ room. KADSEMA spokesperson, Philip Ahmadu Dominic, said, “It was a heartbreaking scene. The wall caved in suddenly while the family was asleep. Sadly, we lost Mallama Habiba Nuhu, her two daughters, Hauwa’u and Aina’u, and her grandchild, Za’uma.”

According to him, the father of the family, Mallam Nuhu Dogara, survived the incident and was rushed to the hospital for treatment before being discharged. Dominic added that the agency received the report late but has already commenced arrangements for an on-site assessment and support for the bereaved family. “We are preparing to visit the scene for proper assessment and to engage with the affected relatives,” he said.

A relative of the victims, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim, described the collapse as a devastating loss. “We have buried them in line with Islamic rites. This is a tragedy the family will never forget,” he said, noting that heavy rainfall may have weakened the mud structure before it gave way.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hassan Munsir, said he could not confirm the incident at the time of inquiry.

The post Tragedy Strikes as Mother and Three Children Killed in Zaria Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has introduced sweeping changes to its tenancy law, tightening regulations on rental agreements and offering greater protection to tenants across the state.

The revised law, which came into effect this week, places clear limits on rental demands. Landlords are now prohibited from collecting more than three months’ rent in advance from existing tenants, while tenants themselves are barred from offering more than that amount upfront.

In addition, landlords must provide tenants with official receipts for all rent payments. Failure to do so could result in a fine of ₦10,000. The law also caps tenancy agreement fees at 10 percent of annual rent, warning that any landlord or agent who charges above this threshold will be deemed to have violated the law.

A senior official at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice explained that the update is designed to “create a balanced rental framework that discourages exploitation and protects the rights of tenants.”

He added, “For too long, the rental market in Lagos has been tilted in favour of landlords. These provisions are meant to restore fairness while ensuring that landlords still receive what is due to them.”

The state government noted that enforcement mechanisms are being put in place to monitor compliance, with penalties awaiting defaulters. Authorities also encouraged tenants to report any cases of overcharging or refusal to issue receipts.

By aligning with its broader housing policy, Lagos State hopes the revised law will ease the burden of rent for residents while discouraging sharp practices in the real estate sector.

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A tragic accident at a construction site in Abuja has claimed the life of a 25-year-old labourer after part of a building foundation caved in during excavation works. The incident occurred on Monday evening within the premises of Radio House, Area 8, Garki.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the collapse happened around 5:50 p.m. when a section of the foundation wall gave way as workers dug nearly seven feet below ground level.

Mr. Monday Adie, leader of FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team, confirmed that two workers were trapped under the debris. “One of the victims was rescued alive, but unfortunately, the other suffered fatal injuries and could not be saved,” he said.

Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, quickly mobilised to the scene following a distress call, assisting in the rescue effort.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the collapse as “avoidable” and urged developers to prioritise safety in construction projects.

“This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of adherence to safety regulations and the use of qualified professionals in the building sector,” Mohammed stated. “Developers must shun quacks to prevent needless loss of lives.”

He further appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to make use of the toll-free emergency number 112 to report accidents and emergencies promptly, assuring that FEMD remains committed to swift disaster response across Abuja.

The incident adds to growing concerns over building safety standards in the nation’s capital, where regulators have repeatedly warned against the use of substandard materials and unqualified contractors.

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