The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated two major projects at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai — a remodelled Senate Building and a new Faculty of Law Complex valued at N4.089 billion.
The projects were executed under TETFund’s 2023 Special High Impact Intervention and the 2020/2021 merged interventions. The remodelled Senate Building cost N1.58 billion, while the Faculty of Law Complex was constructed at N2.50 billion.
Speaking during the commissioning in Lapai, Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, said the agency has allocated N15.25 billion to IBBU since 2011, with N13.04 billion already accessed for infrastructure projects.
Masari commended the university management for prudent use of the funds, noting that the projects would enhance teaching, research, and community service. He also praised the Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago for its consistent support to education.
He explained that the projects align with the Federal Government’s goal of modernising tertiary institutions, particularly through investments in power, medical facilities, and ICT. Masari lamented the suspension of foreign training for lecturers due to foreign exchange challenges but assured that local capacity development will be prioritised.
TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Babatunde Olajide, described the projects as symbols of progress and opportunity for Nigeria’s youth. He urged the university to maintain the new facilities and ensure they serve academic and developmental goals.
Governor Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, said the Faculty of Law Complex — one of the largest in West Africa — includes over 100 offices, a standard moot court, an e-library, and disability-accessible features.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, revealed that the remodelled Senate Building, now named the Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building, houses 70 offices, a 200-seat Senate Chamber, and a 50-seat Council Chamber. He appealed for TETFund’s continued support to construct a new student hostel.
