In a remarkable development for Nigeria’s higher education sector, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has received a combined funding package exceeding ₦6.5 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other special grants. The funds are aimed at strengthening academic research, upgrading critical facilities, and improving students’ welfare across the university’s various faculties.
This major allocation marks one of the largest single interventions in recent years for the institution and underscores the federal government’s renewed commitment to revitalizing public universities across the nation.
Breakdown of the ₦6.5 Billion Allocation
According to official information from the university’s management, the breakdown of the funding is as follows:
| Category | Amount (₦) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual TETFund Allocation (2025 Fiscal Year) | 2.56 billion | Academic and infrastructural development |
| Special High Impact Project (SHIP) Grant | 4 billion | Facility upgrade at the College of Health Sciences |
| Additional Hostel Development Support | 750 million | Construction of a new student hostel within the College of Health Sciences |
These funds will cover a total of 11 strategic areas, including the development of new classroom blocks, laboratories, lecture theatres, ICT facilities, entrepreneurship hubs, and academic staff training programs.
Vice-Chancellor Commends TETFund, Pledges Accountability
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), described the intervention as a “lifeline” that will further propel UNILORIN’s vision to remain a leading centre of excellence in Nigeria and Africa.
He emphasized that the TETFund and special grant interventions reaffirm the government’s belief in UNILORIN’s management capacity and the university’s long-standing reputation for discipline, integrity, and efficiency.
“This support from TETFund and the federal government will be judiciously used to enhance infrastructure, promote quality teaching, and improve our research output,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
“We are determined to ensure every kobo is spent transparently, and the projects executed will have lasting impact on both staff and students.”
Focus on Research, Innovation, and Academic Excellence
Beyond infrastructure, UNILORIN’s new funding will strengthen its academic research ecosystem. In the same briefing, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that:
- 81 academic staff members benefited from the Senate Research Grant Scheme, totaling about ₦177 million.
- Eight research projects secured funding of ₦220.5 million under the National Research Fund (NRF), targeted at solving key societal and industrial challenges.
These efforts align with UNILORIN’s goal of promoting applied research that supports Nigeria’s socio-economic development, as well as producing globally competitive graduates.
Key Development Projects Underway
The university management outlined several ongoing and upcoming projects that will be strengthened by the new funding, including:
- Expansion of the College of Health Sciences Complex – The ₦4 billion Special High Impact Project will deliver modern laboratories, lecture halls, and clinical training facilities.
- New Student Hostels – ₦750 million has been set aside for hostel construction within the health sciences campus to ease accommodation challenges.
- ICT Enhancement Initiative – Improved digital infrastructure to support online learning, research collaboration, and e-governance within the university.
- Science, Technology and Innovation Park (STIP) – An innovation hub designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
- Campus Shuttle Bus System – Operating under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model to enhance student mobility.
Strategic Partnerships and Student Welfare Initiatives
Professor Egbewole further highlighted new collaborations and initiatives targeted at student support and capacity development:
- A ₦60 million scholarship partnership with OPay Nigeria aimed at supporting indigent but brilliant students.
- Ongoing hostel development projects in partnership with the Dangote Foundation.
- Continuous engagement with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to maintain and improve the university’s full accreditation status across all programmes.
These initiatives reinforce UNILORIN’s growing reputation as a student-friendly institution committed to academic excellence, welfare, and innovation.
A Model for Transparency and Institutional Growth
Over the years, UNILORIN has maintained a strong record of prudent financial management and project delivery, often setting benchmarks for other public universities. This new phase of capital injection is expected to further transform the university’s landscape, making it a model of effective utilization of government funds.
Education experts have also commended TETFund for its consistent support towards Nigerian tertiary institutions, describing UNILORIN’s latest funding package as a “strategic investment” in the country’s educational and technological future.
What This Means for Students and Staff
For students, these developments will translate into better learning environments, more comfortable hostels, and enhanced digital resources. For staff, it means improved working conditions, access to more research grants, and opportunities for academic growth and global collaboration.
The transformation will also likely improve UNILORIN’s national and international rankings, attracting more scholars, grants, and partnerships from around the world.
