Kwara varsity secures N1bn TETFund grants to boost infrastructure

Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, Professor of Islamic Studies and Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has said that the institution is witnessing a steady growth under the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which recently approved a ₦1 billion Special Intervention Project for the completion of the University Library Annex.

Jimoh made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the 13th Convocation Ceremony of the university held at the institution’s Permanent site in Malete.

According to him, the university has continued to embark on the construction of new structures while ensuring proper maintenance of existing facilities.

He noted that all the 11 faculties and other academic units are now equipped with ultramodern, fully functional smart classrooms to enhance teaching and learning across platforms, adding that: “The Experience Centre donated by the Office of Nigeria’s First Lady in partnership with TETFund is nearing completion, just as the Central Laboratory donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria has reached an advanced stage.”

The VC further revealed that construction of the Faculty of Law building is progressing steadily and would upon completion, provide more classrooms and office space for staff and students.

He also announced that, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Rangeman Construction Ltd., the Malete campus now has an additional 150-room, 600-bed hostel, which is already in use.

“This is a huge addition and a great boost to our drive to expand on-campus accommodation. While increasing infrastructure, we remain committed to maintaining existing ones because we take great pride in the beauty of our campuses,” he said.

Jimoh highlighted that KWASU scholars are attracting high-impact research grants, particularly in engineering and agriculture.

He revealed that Mustapha Kabiru and Adesina Lambe Mutalub of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology recently won the prestigious National Research Fund (NRF) grants.

Jimoh said the university’s undergraduate entrepreneurship training continues to expose students to emerging skills, equipping them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that KWASU currently runs four Centres for Women Development located in Ilorin, Osi, Ilesha-Baruba and Malete, where 125 women have so far graduated with skills in producing ready-to-wear female outfits and men’s caps, adding that the beneficiaries have been empowered with industrial sewing machines, Android phones for marketing, and mentorship support to aid the growth of their businesses.

On the forthcoming convocation ceremony; Jimoh announced that 8,119 students would graduate this year, including 82 first-class graduates.

Given a breakdown, he mentioned that, 1,986 graduating with Second Class Upper Division, 4,195 with Second Class Lower Division, 1,355 with Third Class Honours, 426 obtaining Master’s degrees, and 82 earning Doctoral degrees

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