The Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, commenced plans for the construction of a new 170-bed-space Medical Students’ Hostel at the College of Medicine (CMUL), Idi-Araba, with the formal handover of the project site to Colton Construction Limited.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening infrastructure for the training of medical professionals.
She expressed concern over the continued exodus of medical graduates from Nigeria and its implications for the nation’s healthcare system, noting the urgent need for training institutions to expand capacity and produce more qualified professionals.
Professor Ogunsola also highlighted gaps in existing medical training facilities and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to address these challenges.
She commended the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), for its support, as well as the management of CMUL for facilitating the project. She added that the hostel, upon completion, will significantly improve student accommodation and support UNILAG’s goal of training up to 1,000 medical doctors annually.
In his remarks, the Director of Colton Construction Limited, Dr. Anthony Ajulo, expressed appreciation to the University Management for its confidence in the firm. He assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to delivering the project in line with approved specifications and standards, within the stipulated timeline of 24 months.
Earlier, the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Ademola Oremosu, disclosed that the hostel project is part of the Special High Impact Projects of TETFund. He commended the University Management for its commitment and expressed confidence that the project would significantly enhance infrastructure for the training of competent and well-rounded medical practitioners.
The ceremony’s highlight was the signing of the necessary documentation, marking the formal handover of the project site to Colton Construction Limited for the commencement of construction.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
