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In a landmark stride toward academic growth and infrastructural advancement, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, officially commissioned its newly completed Senate Building, named after the late former Governor of Niger State, Engr. Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure, alongside a multi-billion-naira Faculty of Law Complex, one of the most modern and well-equipped in West Africa.
The event drew top dignitaries from within and outside Niger State, including the Chairman Board of Trustees and other representatives of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), members of the University’s Governing Council, traditional rulers, and government officials.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Visitor and Governor, Farmer Umaru Mohammed Bago reaffirmed the administration’s firm commitment to repositioning education under the New Niger Agenda.
He described the twin projects as a symbol of growth, vision, and service to humanity, and commended the University’s Management for its steadfast and dedication to excellence.
“The Faculty of Law we are commissioning today is one of the largest in West Africa, with over a hundred fully furnished offices, modern lecture theatres, an e-library, and facilities designed with inclusiveness for persons with special needs,” he said.
Garba further announced that the Governor had approved the construction of a new student hostel for the University through TETFund interventions, emphasizing that education remains the cornerstone of Niger State’s development agenda.
“Education is not an option; it is the foundation upon which we will build a prosperous, self-reliant Niger State,”
He stressed.
The Visitor also commended the Management of TETFund and IBBUL for their transparency and accountability, urging academic and non-academic staff to continue to justify the state’s investments through improved performance and collaboration.
Earlier, the Chairman of TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, who led the Fund’s delegation, praised IBBUL’s leadership for its efficient project management and transparent utilization of intervention funds.
He disclosed that between 2011 and 2025, IBBUL had received ₦15.25 billion in infrastructure-related interventions, of which ₦13.04 billion had already been accessed and effectively utilized.
“The remodeled Senate Building and the magnificent Faculty of Law Complex represent tangible evidence of what collaboration and accountability can achieve,” Masari said.
“These structures symbolize hope, vision, and renewed commitment to academic excellence. We are confident that they will provide a conducive environment for scholarship and administration for many years to come.”
The BOT Chairman assured of continued support from TETFund in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of innovation, sustainable power, digital technology, and local capacity development.
The Vice Chancellor of IBBUL, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, in a welcome address, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Bago, TETFund, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the realization of the projects, describing the commissioning as a milestone in the University’s transformation journey.
He revealed that the Senate Building, which began in 2017 under TETFund’s 2017–2020 merged intervention, cost ₦1.58 billion, and features 70 offices, a 200-capacity Senate Chamber, Council Chamber, conference hall, and modern utilities.
The Faculty of Law Complex, he added, cost ₦2.50 billion, and includes 106 staff offices, four lecture theatres, an e-library, five boardrooms, and a 450-seat moot court.
“These edifices are more than bricks and mortar, they represent the convergence of purposeful leadership, effective partnership, and accountability,” the VC said.
“They will enhance administrative efficiency and provide an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research.”
Professor Sulaiman also lauded the Chancellor and Emir of Minna, HRH Dr. Umaru Faruk Bahago, and the Emir of Lapai, HRH Umaru Bago Tafida III, for their continuous fatherly guidance and support to the institution.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah in his appreciation speech, thanked Almighty Allah for the grace to witness the commissioning, while commending both the Federal and State Governments for their unwavering commitment to educational development.
“IBB University has been a major beneficiary of TETFund’s bold interventions, among which are the projects being commissioned today. We remain deeply grateful,” he said.
He assured that the University would continue to make judicious use of every intervention and appealed for more support to sustain the institution’s growth.
“We will not take these interventions for granted. Our commitment to accountability and prudent management remains absolute,” he added.
The Pro-Chancellor also acknowledged the Chancellor, HRH Dr. Umaru Faruk Bahago, for his timely interventions and steadfast role in promoting the University’s growth.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place amid celebration and reflection, marks yet another milestone in IBBUL’s history a university steadily emerging as a center of academic excellence, innovation, and justice in Niger State and beyond.