Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, has recently entered into a significant agreement with the Student Housing Company Limited.
The deal aims to address the pressing need for student accommodation within the university by developing a 1600-bed space hostel through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The agreement, formalized on April 8th, 2024, was a culmination of efforts between ABU and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited (APPNL), an infrastructure fund manager licensed by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Under this agreement, the project’s financing structure entails a collaboration between Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and APPNL.
Specifically, TETFund will provide 25% of the project cost as counterpart funding to ABU under a Special Intervention framework, while APPNL will cover the remaining 75%. These funds will be utilized by APPNL for the construction of the hostel facilities.
Upon completion, APPNL will appoint a facility management entity to oversee the operation of the structure for 21 years, after which control will revert to ABU.
Several legal documents were executed to formalize the agreement, including the Stakeholders’ Agreement, Deed of Lease, ESCROW Agreement, and Concession Agreement.
Representatives from both parties, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila, signed on behalf of ABU, while Dipo Lawore, representing Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited, signed for the development company.
The agreement signing ceremony was attended by key university officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond B. Bako, and the Director of University Legal Services, Dr. Ishaq Abubakar.
Notable guests included Dr. Faruk Yaya, Managing Director of Ahmadu Bello University Consultancy Services (ABUCONS), and Malam Auwal Yusuf Mohammed, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
In his remarks, Prof. Kabiru Bala expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by ABU students. Dr. Mu’awiya Abubakar, Head of the Public-Private Partnership Unit at ABU, highlighted the project’s scope and its significance as part of a larger national initiative supported by TETFund.
Dipo Lawore from Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited assured timely completion of the 1600-bed space student hostels within 12 months.
He also provided insights into the company’s background, emphasizing its role in managing infrastructure projects in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement signifies a significant step towards enhancing the living conditions of students at Ahmadu Bello University and underscores the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing infrastructure challenges in the education sector.
