By Tajudeen Babamale
As part of efforts to ease the challenge of accommodation facing its students, the University of Ilorin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque for the construction of a 250-bed hostel at the Main Campus of the University.
The MoU signing ceremony took place last Thursday (August 14, 2025) at the Auditorium Basement of the University of Ilorin where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, signed on behalf of the University, while the Danmadami of Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, OON, signed on behalf of the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque delegation for initiating the project, and assured it that the project would be used for the purpose for which it was conceived and would be well maintained.
On his part, the Danmadami of Ilorin and leader of the Central Mosque delegation, explained the significance of the initiative, noting that the Mosque chose to begin with the University of Ilorin because of its reputation, not only for its “Better by Far” slogan but also for its strength and impact.
Alhaji AbdulGafar explained that the income generated from the hostel would be channeled to the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque to support its upkeep and maintenance. He said, “Since its reconstruction, the mosque has faced challenges in maintaining the iconic structure, making the hostel project both a service to the students and a source of sustainable income for the Mosque.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, the Legal Adviser to the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque, Prof. Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali, SAN, described the project as an important humanitarian gesture. He noted that in the current Nigerian context, government alone cannot meet the accommodation needs of students in tertiary institutions.
Prof. Ali, who is the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, explained that the intervention of well-meaning organisations and individuals in building hostels would not only provide comfort for students but also help address the persistent shortage of campus accommodation.
The Director of the Physical Planning Unit (PPU), University of Ilorin, Q.S. Toyin Jimoh, disclosed that the design of the hostel had gone through due process to ensure compliance with the University’s standards. He said that the facility will be a smart building equipped with solar power to provide electricity during outages. The project is expected to be completed within one year, and a site has already been allocated.
