FUTA Remodels 40-Year-Old Akindeko Hall to Boost Students' Welfare

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has completed the comprehensive remodelling of Akindeko Hall, the institution's oldest male students' hostel, marking a major milestone in its commitment to improving students' welfare and campus infrastructure.

The iconic hostel, constructed more than 40 years ago, is now ready for occupation following an extensive renovation undertaken by the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji. The project was funded through the TETFund 2025 Annual Intervention.

The Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Folorunsho Boyinbode, disclosed that the remodelled Akindeko Hall now consists of 145 rooms with a total of 326 bunks distributed across eight blocks, labelled A to H.

He added that the upgraded hostel features reading rooms, common rooms for relaxation, a playground, a basketball court, and well-designed convenience facilities, making it one of the University's best residential hostels.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the project consultant, Arch. Samuel Akinpelu of DKT Consults Limited, Abuja, explained that the renovation involved complete roofing works, installation of stainless steel water tanks, and the provision of a 50,000-litre water storage capacity to ensure adequate water supply across the hostel.

According to him, the project also included the installation of 5,000-litre ground tanks and 4,000-litre overhead tanks at three strategic locations, alongside complete internal and external electrical rewiring.

He noted that the renovation also covered the rehabilitation of toilet facilities, concrete works, and the installation of access barriers to enhance security. He presented photographs of the hostel before and during the renovation to demonstrate the extent of the transformation, stating that the facility now meets modern standards for student accommodation.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji described the completion of the project as a significant achievement for the University.

She observed that the hostel, which had served students for over four decades, required comprehensive rehabilitation, noting that previous patchwork repairs had failed to adequately address its deteriorating condition.

Professor Oladiji said the University deliberately sought adequate funding to execute a complete overhaul of the facility.

She expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their support, noting that the Minister's intervention was instrumental in securing approval for the use of TETFund intervention funds specifically for the reconstruction, repair, and renovation of student hostels.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended TETFund for its continued support of Nigeria's education sector, adding that the timely release of funds enabled the contractor, Kadex Express Limited, led by Mr. Kayode Durojaye, to maintain steady progress and deliver quality work.

She reaffirmed that students remain at the centre of the University's priorities, stressing that every FUTA student deserves decent accommodation and a conducive environment that promotes learning and community living.

The Students' Union President, Comrade Ransome Akomolafe, called on students to take responsibility for maintaining the newly renovated hostel.

He said the student body had already been sensitised on the importance of discipline and proper maintenance of the facility, adding that the Hall management would conduct regular inspections and ensure consistent cleaning to promote responsible use of the hostel.

He urged students who would occupy the hostel to use the facilities responsibly to ensure their long-term sustainability.

The commissioning of the remodelled Akindeko Hall marks another milestone in FUTA's efforts to provide quality accommodation and an enabling learning environment for students throughout their academic journey.