The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, has witnessed a major infrastructural transformation following the commissioning of two landmark projects by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The projects — a fully remodelled Senate Building and an ultra-modern Faculty of Law Complex — valued at a combined ₦4.089 billion, were inaugurated in a grand ceremony that highlighted TETFund’s continued commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
A Major Milestone for IBBU: What Was Commissioned
The newly commissioned structures are part of TETFund’s intervention projects aimed at improving academic and administrative facilities in Nigerian universities. The projects include:
| Project Name | Cost (₦) | Description / Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Remodelled Senate Building (Now Named Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building) | 1,584,998,463.70 | The imposing structure houses 70 executive offices, a 200-seat Senate Chamber, a 50-seat Council Chamber, and a 96,000-litre water reservoir. It serves as the nerve centre of the university’s administration and leadership activities. |
| Faculty of Law Complex | 2,504,381,517.61 | A state-of-the-art facility featuring 106 staff offices, spacious lecture theatres, a digital e-library, boardrooms, and a 450-seat moot court — one of the largest in West Africa. Designed to provide students and lecturers with a conducive environment for teaching, research, and legal practice simulations. |
Together, these projects reflect TETFund’s mission to create world-class learning spaces and administrative infrastructure across Nigerian higher institutions.
A Bold Step Towards Modern Educational Infrastructure
While inaugurating the projects, the Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commended the university’s management for ensuring timely execution and high-quality delivery of the projects. He revealed that since 2011, TETFund had allocated ₦15.25 billion to IBBU through various interventions, with ₦13.04 billion already accessed for completed or ongoing projects.
Masari emphasized that the newly completed Senate Building and Law Complex embody the Fund’s vision of modernizing Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with durable, functional, and technology-driven facilities. He noted that TETFund’s investments now go beyond physical structures to include innovations in renewable energy, ICT development, medical research, and teacher training, aligning with global standards for university education.
According to him, the Federal Government’s consistent funding of tertiary institutions through TETFund remains one of the most sustainable strategies for transforming Nigeria’s education system.
Governor Bago Applauds TETFund’s Intervention
Representing the Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, the state government delegation praised TETFund for its strategic investments in the state’s only public university. The governor described the projects as a “factory for justice and leadership,” particularly noting the importance of the Faculty of Law in shaping the next generation of Nigerian legal professionals.
Governor Bago reiterated his administration’s support for educational development and pledged continuous partnership with TETFund to expand access, improve infrastructure, and strengthen research capacity across Niger State tertiary institutions.
IBBU Management Expresses Gratitude and Seeks Further Support
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of IBB University, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, expressed profound appreciation to TETFund and the Federal Government for their unwavering commitment to the university’s growth. He stated that the projects had significantly enhanced IBBU’s physical outlook and academic reputation, adding that the modern facilities would improve administrative efficiency and learning outcomes.
However, the Vice-Chancellor also appealed for additional TETFund support in constructing student hostels to accommodate the rising number of undergraduates and postgraduates attracted by the institution’s expanding academic offerings.
TETFund’s Broader Impact on Nigeria’s Tertiary Sector
Over the years, TETFund has emerged as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tertiary education development. Its consistent funding of infrastructure, academic research, and staff development has bridged critical gaps in public university funding.
At IBBU alone, the Fund’s interventions have led to:
- Construction of advanced academic and administrative buildings.
- Provision of laboratory and ICT equipment.
- Sponsorship of local and international staff training.
- Establishment of modern learning facilities that rival those in many international institutions.
The commissioning of the ₦4.09 billion projects is, therefore, not only a triumph for IBB University but also a testament to TETFund’s commitment to quality and sustainability in tertiary education.
Transformative Benefits for Students and Faculty
For students and faculty members, the new projects bring immediate and long-term benefits:
- Improved Learning Environment: Modern classrooms and lecture theatres enhance student engagement and comfort.
- Digital Resources: The Faculty of Law’s e-library expands research access to global legal materials.
- Administrative Efficiency: The remodelled Senate Building provides a centralized, well-equipped workspace for university administrators.
- Prestige and Attraction: These facilities elevate IBBU’s reputation, attracting more students, faculty, and research collaborations both locally and internationally.
Furthermore, the 450-seat Moot Court is expected to transform the learning experience for law students by allowing them to simulate real court proceedings, improving their advocacy and courtroom skills before entering legal practice.
