The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has approved funding for the construction of 500 housing units for staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, under the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme, officials announced on Friday.
Speaking at ABU’s 85th Ordinary Meeting of Congregation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed said the project forms part of a broader plan to provide up to 1,000 housing units for staff. He described the initiative as a strategic response to the challenge of staff retiring without having a personal home.
Prof. Ahmed added that the university would soon launch a “site and services” scheme to support staff housing needs further. “We are rethinking staff welfare, both in service and in retirement, through new models for healthcare access and cooperative schemes,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted other welfare measures, including the resolution of hazard allowances for non-teaching staff, mechanisms for timely salary payments, and reforms to career progression guidelines.
Addressing staffing gaps, Prof. Ahmed noted that nearly 1,000 personnel had left the university through retirement over the past five years without being replaced, but stated that discussions with the Budget Office of the Federation were in the final stages.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges with the tax regime. He pledged continued engagement with staff unions to secure possible reliefs, stressing that the university’s growth depends on motivated and fairly treated personnel.
