Messrs Berghaus Limited has entered I to a partnership with the Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai for the construction of a 80-bed space hostel aimed at addressing the acute shortage of student accommodation on campus.

Speaking during the meeting with the investors, the Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, described the partnership with Messrs Berghaus Limited as a welcome development, stressing that the project addresses one of the most pressing infrastructural gaps in the University student accommodation. He noted that less than 10 percent of the over 20,000 students are currently accommodated on campus, a situation that puts pressure on both students and the host community.

Professor Sulaiman emphasized that while the University is eager to embrace private sector investment, the arrangement must be structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to ensure mutual benefits.

He explained that in the peculiar socio-economic environment of Lapai and Northern Nigeria, where students cannot afford high hostel fees, the PPP model will help the University retain a stake and secure financial value from the project, stressing that without such an arrangement, the University risks losing out completely despite providing land and other institutional assets.

He further urged the investors to prioritize speed and transparency in execution, noting that many previous proposals ended at the level of paperwork without translating into actual development.

“We don’t want to repeat the experience where companies arrive with big promises, only for the University to be left waiting indefinitely,” he cautioned.

The Vice Chancellor however expressed gratitude to Berghaus Limited for considering IBBUL as a worthy beneficiary of their investment, assuring them of the Management’s readiness to provide all necessary support to ensure the project is realized.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Messrs Berghaus Limited, Mr. Moses Goussanou, expressed deep appreciation to the University Management for the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of IBBUL. He disclosed that his company is committed to delivering a modern hostel complex that will not only ease accommodation challenges but also enhance the learning environment. According to him, the design covers 4,804 square meters and will provide 40 rooms each for male and female students, accommodating a total of 80 rooms with complete facilities and reliable energy systems to avoid the usual friction between students and Management over power supply.

Mr. Moses further revealed that the project will serve as a platform for knowledge transfer, as professionals from the company will collaborate with students from the University’s Departments of Architecture, Engineering, and Mechanical Sciences during the construction phase.

He assured the Vice Chancellor that the company is not seeking to recoup its investment in the shortest possible time, but rather aims to create affordable and sustainable accommodation that aligns with the realities of the local environment.

In their separate remarks other Principal Officers of the University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello; the Bursar, Muhammad Alfa Daniya; and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Musa Salihu Ewugi, described the initiative as a bold step towards solving one of the Institution’s long-standing problems.

They commended the investor for demonstrating seriousness and sincerity of purpose, noting that previous engagements with other firms had failed to yield tangible results. The Officers expressed confidence that Berghaus Limited’s commitment would mark a turning point in the University’s effort to provide conducive learning and living conditions for its students.

In his closing remarks and vote of thanks the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, reaffirmed that partnerships remain central to the growth and development of the University. He stated that IBBUL is committed to working with credible private investors who share the institution’s vision of building an environment that nurtures academic excellence and student welfare.

He assured the company of the full support of Management, staff, students, and Alumni, while praying for a smooth journey and successful execution of the project.

The hostel project, when completed, is expected to significantly ease accommodation pressure on students and contribute to the socio-economic development of Lapai and its environs.