The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on Monday, April 15, 2024, performed the official commissioning of the newly renovated Mariere Male Hostel of the University.

The project, according to Prof Ogunsola, signifies a milestone in the University management’s commitment towards improving students’ living conditions on campus, and increasing the number of bed spaces to ensure that students study in a more improved, decent, conducive and serene atmosphere.

Speaking at the brief commissioning ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor accompanied by other members of the University Management team, described the project as another product of collaborations with progressive partners and stakeholders, to meet critical needs of the University.

While appreciating Alpha Morgan Capital Managers Limited and Hatcherfield Limited for their generous donations towards the renovation of Mariere Hostel, Prof Ogunsola appealed to students to make the best use of the newly upgraded facilities, ensure decency and shun acts that could sabotage the resources which management has committed towards making their hostel experience more pleasurable.

The Vice-Chancellor assured that the newly renovated Mariere Hostel will be allotted to students at no increased cost while renovation works will soon commence at other students’ halls of residence including Makama Bida, Eni Njoku and Biobaku.

Earlier in their remarks, representatives of Alpha Morgan Capital Managers Limited and Hatcherfield Limited, Mr Bidemi Alfred and Mr Kingsley Chucks, respectively, appreciated the management of UNILAG for the track record of excellence and commitment to development which encouraged their firms to collaborate towards ensuring the overhaul of Mariere Hostel.

Also in his remarks, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola gave thumbs up to the University management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola for the unalloyed commitment to the welfare of students despite limited resources.

The project, according to the Contractor, Mr Kehinde Owolabi, is not just a renovation but an upgrade of key components which include the entire sewage system, conveniences, doors, wash hand basins among others.

There were also remarks from students’ representatives who expressed gratitude to the University management for the turnaround renovation of Mariere Hostel, describing it as one which would not only ensure users’ comfort but also foster a stronger sense of community and improved overall students’ experience.

Alpha Morgan Capital Managers Limited sponsored the exterior painting of the project while Hatcherfield Limited funded the renovation of the Common Room, the Reading room, provision of CCTVs and WIFI services.

Built in 1974, the Mariere Hostel has 4 blocks with a total of 124 rooms, it was named after Late Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere, GCON (1907 – 1971) who was the first governor of the former Midwest State of Nigeria from February 1964 to January 1966 and the first Chancellor, University of Lagos.