An Abuja-based company, Rashams Engineering Limited, has indicated interest to partner the University of Ilorin in the provision of 1000 bed-space hostel accommodation on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.

Disclosing this last Monday (January 11, 2016), at a meeting with the University management, the representative of the company, Engr. Olatunbosun Shamsudeen, said that the idea was to collaborate with the University in its bid to address the acute shortage of hostel accommodation being faced by the students of the institution.

Engr. Shamsudeen disclosed that the company had concluded all the arrangements to ensure that construction work commences on the project site by February and reaches a completion stage by August this year.

The company representative assured the University management that his company would do everything humanly possible to come up with a standard hostel with modern facilities that will give the potential occupants enabling and conducive atmosphere that is habitable by all standards.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON) expressed satisfaction with the interest shown by Rashams Engineering Limited to collaborate with the University of Ilorin. He advised the company to keep to the standard set by the University, adding that Unilorin does not compromise standard in terms of both academic and physical projects.

Prof. Ambali saluted the courage of the company for its readiness to associate with the Better by Far University, pointing out that University of Ilorin prides itself with excellence, decency and moral uprightness, hoping that the synergy would bear fruitful result.

He added that the University was ready to collaborate with any private or corporate organisation that is ready to join hands with it to move the institution forward.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the partnering agency to ensure the completion of the project before students resume for the 2016/2017 session in October this year so that the aim of going into the partnership would not be defeated.

Among the top University officials that attended the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the University Librarian, Dr Joseph Omoniyi; the Director of Works, Engr. Mobolaji Sanni; the Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Ademola Adesiyun; the Director of Advancement Centre, Dr Jeleel Ojuade; the Director, Legal Services, Mr. Dare Akanbi; and the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun.