By Abdulrasheed Olokoto 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has stated that quality accommodation is essential to achieving students’ well-being, safety, and holistic development.

He made this assertion during the commissioning ceremony of the Waterbrooks Premium Student Accommodation at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Speaking at the commissioning event, Professor Adebowale described the facility as another milestone in the University’s collective commitment to enhancing the living and learning environment of students through the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement.

He noted that quality accommodation plays a vital role in achieving this objective and expressed delight at the addition of the modern facility to the university’s accommodation ecosystem.

“The University of Ibadan has consistently upheld excellence, not only in academic pursuits but also in providing an enabling environment that supports the welfare, safety, and inclusive development of students,” he emphasised.

He commended the vision, investment, and partnership that made the project possible, noting that initiatives such as the Waterbrooks Hostel demonstrate the value of private sector collaboration in complementing institutional efforts to meet the growing accommodation needs of students. 

He also commended the Managing Director of Nathan Price, Mrs. Bola Olajomi Otubu, a distinguished alumna of the Department of Psychology, for her dedication to giving back to the University and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance institutional development and improve student experience.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, in a goodwill message, said that the Nigerian higher education landscape increasingly requires private sector participation, noting that public universities can no longer solely depend on government funding for hostel development.

“Without the private sector, public universities cannot achieve their visions,” Professor Olapegba reiterated.

He described Mrs. Otubu as a partner in progress with the University, disclosing that the university is proud of her commitment to giving back to her alma mater through her company’s investment in student accommodation.

“Federal universities have gradually divested from student accommodation provision over the past decade, forcing many students to seek accommodation off campus, and thus, exposing them to various risks,” he stated.

“This project goes beyond profit-making; it reflects a genuine commitment to supporting the institution that contributed to the investor’s personal and professional development,” he added.

The commissioning of the hostel was performed by His Royal Highness, Professor A. Titilayo Hassan, Obaruwa I, Elesugbon of Esugbon, Ogun State, a retired don of the university and father of the Managing Director.

CREDIT: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION