By Aishat Araoye, Osogbo
The Federal Government on Saturday, launched the construction of a 1,500-bed hostel at the South Campus of Federal Polytechnic Ede, with officials saying the project reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to student welfare.
The groundbreaking ceremony had in attendance representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, management, traditional rulers, staff and students.
Dr. Olugbenga Awe, who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the project is more than a ceremony.
According to him, “Today is much more than the symbolic turning of the soil. It represents the beginning of a strategic investment in our students, in our institutions, and ultimately in the future of our nation.”
He noted that education goes beyond classrooms, saying “Government recognises that quality education goes beyond classrooms and laboratories. Students also require welfare, safety, dignity and decent accommodation to achieve academic excellence,” he said.
The project is being executed through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, Federal Polytechnic Ede and MIPON, the contractor.
Awe stressed that such collaboration is critical to addressing infrastructure gaps in tertiary institutions.
“Government cannot do everything alone. Our institutions must be empowered to identify their needs, articulate practical solutions and work with relevant agencies to translate those solutions into sustainable projects,” he said.
He thereby urged stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered on time and to specification. Awe also linked the hostel to the Federal Government’s broader drive to strengthen technical and vocational education, innovation and industry partnerships.
Also at the event, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya, said the peaceful relationship in the institution made the project possible.
“Before we talk about the impact, we need to talk about the enabling environment that made it possible for government to consider this institution for a project like this. We have been talking, the council has led the initiative and the management has keyed in to it. We sit down with staff and students and we resolve our differences,” Olaiya said.
He expressed optimism that the development of major infrastructure at the Polytechnic would further strengthen its case for greater recognition, including possible conversion into a University of Technology.
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