CEO Palm 77Hotels, Alhaja Taofikat Ajibola Commissioned A Multi-Million Naira Hostel In UI

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan recently celebrated the grand commissioning of the Iyalode Taofikat Hub, a newly built multi-million-naira hostel facility generously donated by the CEO of Palms 77 Hotel, the Otun Iyalode of Egbaland, Alhaja Taofikat Afolabi Ajibola, on the university campus, today in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Iyalode Taofikat Hub boasts a capacity of 202 rooms across three wings (A, B, C), featuring essential amenities such as a restaurant, a fully equipped bakery, and a supermarket designed to meet every student\'s needs.

Witnessing the grand opening was a testament to Alhaja Taofikat\'s dedication to enhancing student welfare through her philanthropy.

During her speech, Alhaja Taofikat remarked that the hostel has been a lifelong dream of hers, noting that the Iyalode Taofikat Hub is more than just a building but a commitment to providing a conducive environment for students in their academic pursuits.

‘’I have spent a lot in building this project, it took me five years to complete. I faced lots of challenges during the execution of this project, the builders and contractors gave me problems. But I am grateful that today we are celebrating its completion and commissioning. ‘’

‘’I want the students to feel like this is home away from home, so they can fully concentrate on their education while on campus, especially the female students who live off campus where they can be harassed and raped. I want them to feel safe and comfortable here ‘’ she added, emphasizing the hostel\'s importance beyond its physical structure.

The Alake of Egbaland, HRM Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, commissioned the building and conducted a thorough inspection and tour of the hostel and its environs. He praised Alhaja Taofikat for her immense contribution to enhancing students\' education and encouraged others to follow her philanthropic example.

He also appealed to the students to take care of the facility, urging them not to damage what was established for their comfort.

“We don’t regularly see individuals build places of residence; it is the government. But it is difficult for the government alone to do that. I am grateful for individuals like Iyalode, who take it upon themselves to better the lives of students and their education. I am urging people with the financial capacity and opportunity to come and do things like this.

“The students have seen the quality of where they are living, they should strive to maintain it and not destroy what they have come to enjoy.’’

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose (SAN), the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, emphasized the pressing issue of inadequate hostel accommodations in Nigerian universities and the impact on students\' academic pursuits.

‘’One major challenge that tertiary institutions face in Nigeria is the issue of insufficient hostel accommodation and facilities which is spurred on by a lack of maintenance, as the government is no longer maintaining the hostels and infrastructural facilities.’’

She commended the donor of the facility for her significant contribution to alleviating this challenge, noting the hostel\'s role in enabling the university to redirect resources towards academic excellence.

The event was graced by other distinguished guests from Egbaland, including Chief Sikiru Atobatele, the Balogun of Egbaland, Chief Jonathan Adeyemi, the Gbadasojuoba of Egbaland, Director of Works, Engr A.O Adetolu amongst other royal dignitaries and staff.