The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has officially handed over multiple hostel development sites to private concessionaires, marking a major milestone in its long-term plan to expand student accommodation through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
The handover ceremony, held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola (FAS, OON), who described the moment as a significant transition “from vision to implementation.” The event signals the commencement of physical development works under the university’s Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) strategy aimed at bridging the institution’s accommodation deficit.
Four Years of Regulatory Review Culminate in Construction Phase
UNILAG first initiated BOT engagements nearly four years ago, followed by extensive regulatory screening facilitated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). This process included investor evaluations, compliance checks and negotiations with private-sector partners.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university’s BOT journey involved a “rigorous and necessary regulatory pathway,” adding that all concessionaires had successfully met the required procedural benchmarks for approval.
The concessionaires awarded the development rights are:
Advent Integrated Services Limited, represented by Managing Director Goke Dokun
Paradigm Hostels Limited, led by Michael Ozigbo
Diamantaire Limited, represented by Managing Director Segun Abijo
UNILAG Commends Developers’ Patience and Commitment
Professor Ogunsola praised the developers for their resilience throughout the multi-year approval process and reaffirmed UNILAG’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the partnership.
> “Today’s handover marks not just a procedural milestone but a shared commitment to provide modern, safe, and dignified living spaces for our students,” she said. “As you build, know that you are also shaping futures.”
She also encouraged the concessionaires to take on students from architecture, engineering, and related fields for internships to further strengthen capacity building and hands-on learning on the project sites.
Concessionaires Promise World-Class Hostel Facilities
The concessionaires expressed appreciation for the university’s transparency and pledged to deliver durable, modern and globally compliant facilities.
> “This partnership reflects trust and long-term vision. We assure the University of Lagos community that what will emerge are facilities built to global standards,” one concessionaire noted.
University Leadership in Attendance
Several senior officials joined the Vice-Chancellor at the handover ceremony, including:
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor ’Muyiwa Falaiye (FNAL)
Registrar, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe
Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle
University Librarian, Professor Christopher Okiki
Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola
Student leaders and representatives of the Works & Physical Planning Directorate
Construction to Begin After Mobilisation
With the site handovers completed, early-stage preparation is expected to begin immediately, followed by full-scale construction once mobilization formalities are concluded.
A Future-Ready University
UNILAG reiterated its commitment to collaborating with responsible and innovative private-sector partners as part of its long-term vision to enhance infrastructure, improve student experience and sustain its reputation as a globally competitive institution.
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