By Felix Khanoba
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated two major infrastructure projects valued at N4.089 billion at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State. The developments, delivered under the Fund’s 2023 Special High Impact Intervention and 2020/2021 merged interventions, include the Remodelled University Senate Building and the Faculty of Law Complex.
The Senate Building was completed at a cost of N1,584,998,463.70, while the Faculty of Law Complex cost N2,504,381,517.61.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday in Lapai, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, revealed that since 2011, the Fund has allocated N15.25 billion for infrastructure-related projects at IBBU, with N13.04 billion already accessed.
Masari commended the institution for its prudent management of the funds, saying, “We are convinced that the projects undertaken with these funds will continually impact the university’s mandate in facilitating teaching, learning, research and community service.”
The former Katsina State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives also praised the Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago for its strong commitment to education, describing its support as “a key reason why the commissioning was possible.”
He emphasized that the newly inaugurated facilities reflect TETFund’s alignment with the Federal Government’s goal of modernizing higher institutions through investments in power supply, medical training, and ICT innovation.
Masari further expressed concern over the suspension of overseas training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and cases of abscondment, assuring that the Fund would now focus on local training and infrastructure development.
“We urge the university to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities. For our part, TETFund will sustain impactful interventions to make Nigerian institutions globally competitive,” he said.
In his remarks, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono, described the event as a milestone for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, stressing that quality infrastructure is central to academic excellence and innovation.
Represented by the Fund’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Arc Babatunde Olajide, Echono said, “These edifices are not just structures of brick and mortar; they are symbols of progress, opportunity and the future we envision for our youth and our nation.”
He applauded the collaboration between IBBU’s management and the Niger State Government, urging students and staff to make optimal use of the new facilities for learning, research, and service to humanity.
Governor Umar Bago, represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, described the projects as “a factory for justice and leadership,” and noted that the Faculty of Law Complex ranks among the largest in West Africa, featuring over 100 offices, an e-library, a standard moot court, and inclusive facilities for persons with disabilities.
Bago reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through ongoing initiatives such as the IBB University Teaching Hospital, Abdulkadir University in Minna, and the newly established University of Agriculture and Climate Change, all tailored to advance Niger State’s development priorities.
“Education remains the foundation upon which we build a prosperous and self-reliant Niger State,” he said.
IBBU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, expressed gratitude to TETFund and the state government for their sustained support, describing the commissioning as “a milestone in the university’s history and a national investment in the future of higher education.”
According to him, the remodelled Senate Building—now named the Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building—houses 70 offices, a 200-seat Senate Chamber, 50-seat Council Chamber, and a 96,000-litre water reservoir. The Faculty of Law Complex includes 106 offices, lecture theatres, boardrooms, an e-library, and a 450-seat moot court.
On project details, Suleiman explained: “The amount is N1,584,998,463.70, and the name of the consultant is Bill Marx Associate Limited. The purpose of this Senate Building is to provide conducive office accommodation for university staff and befitting meeting halls for Management, Senate, and Council members.
“The cost of the project for the Faculty of Law stands at N2,504,381,517.61. It also started in 2023 and has been completed in 2025 and will be commissioned immediately after the Senate Building. The contractor is USALT Teleview Nigeria Limited, while the consultant is Studio International.”
He appealed to TETFund for additional support to build a major student hostel, pledging transparency and accountability in managing future interventions.
