The Management of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Òkehò (FUNATO), on Monday, January 5, 2026, embarked on an extensive inspection tour of several uncompleted buildings earmarked for students’ accommodation ahead of the institution’s maiden resumption scheduled for February.
The inspection exercise, which covered about five locations across Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, was led by the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Babayemi. Other principal officers on the tour included the Registrar, Mr. Aminu Olayinka; the University Librarian, Dr. Adigun Abdulganiyu; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Luqman Akingbile; Professor Egbeyale, and other members of the university management team.
The management team inspected four buildings located at Isemi-ile and one at Òkehò, the headquarters of Kajola Local Government Area. The buildings, though currently uncompleted, have been identified as strategic facilities expected to be completed and made available for students’ use before resumption.
Speaking during the tour in an exclusive interaction with acrossnigerianews.com, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Luqman Akingbile, assured that the university management is making concerted efforts to secure decent and conducive accommodation for not less than 70 percent of the incoming student population.
According to him, the inspection exercise became necessary to enable management and faculty heads to ascertain the level of work done on the buildings and to fast-track necessary interventions to ensure timely completion.
Professor Akingbile disclosed that while some of the buildings are about 60 percent completed, others have reached approximately 75 percent completion. He stressed that although it is practically impossible for any higher institution to provide accommodation for all students, FUNATO’s management is determined to ensure that no student is stranded upon resumption.
He further explained that the development of the proposed hostels would be executed under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement between private developers and the university.
“The BOT model will allow developers to construct and operate the hostels for an agreed number of years, while the university retains regulatory oversight,” Akingbile said. “The institution will determine accommodation fees, utilities charges and general facility standards to ensure affordability and students’ welfare.”
Reaffirming the university’s commitment to students’ wellbeing, the Dean assured that all approved hostels would provide a safe, secure and comfortable living environment, conducive to academic excellence.
He added that, arrangements are being made to guarantee adequate security, potable water supply, steady power supply and other essential services within the hostels.
Professor Akingbile also revealed that transportation service providers would be engaged to convey students at affordable rates, while cafeterias would be established within the hostel facilities to provide hygienic and affordable meals.
He concluded by stating that all these measures are geared towards ensuring that students of FUNATO enjoy a smooth, secure and fulfilling campus life, enabling them to fully focus on their academic pursuits upon resumption.
