The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and TIMIK Engineering have pledged to collaborate with the University of Ibadan (UI) to address housing challenges facing its staff.
The Head of Operations, NHF, Juliet Olobio stated this at the sensitisation programme to staffers of UI on the Ajoda Federal Housing Authority Housing Scheme in Ibadan on Monday.
Olobio, who spoke on available housing options, allocation procedures, and mortgage processing, said the scheme has been established to ensure affordable housing options for civil servants.
She stated that the sensitisation was to address particular issues related to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme and concerns from the members of the institution over the years.
According to her, the NHF scheme has housing products, including the NHF mortgage loan, home renovation loan, rent-to-own scheme, and cooperative housing development loan.
Olobio said this is aimed at enabling contributors to own homes with single-digit interest rates.
Also, Dr Mike Anjorin, the Group Managing Director, TIMIK and WOODSTON Engineering, said the company would work with UI and FMBN to deliver between 50 and 100 housing units within six months.
He said profiling of eligible staff had commenced, while discussions with UI management and the Housing Committee would continue to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
“We brought our Primary Mortgage Institution (PMI), the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank, to liaise with the University of Ibadan.
“We came to profile staff, assess their eligibility, determine the types of houses they prefer, and structure loans for them over 15 to 30 years,” Anjorin said.
He noted that issues raised about NHF subscription and mortgage remittances were also addressed, enabling some staff members to begin clearing their outstanding issues.
Anjorin said, “Several have subscribed and will be profiled to sign up immediately.
“We are targeting the delivery of between 50 and 100 housing units within six months.
“We will also hold further meetings with the Registrar and the Housing Committee Chairperson to develop a robust housing scheme.”
According to him, the current federal government is particularly interested in supporting university lecturers, so we are confident this will succeed.
“In terms of the FHA project at Ajoda and other sites, we have completed key infrastructure works, including almost a kilometre of fencing, road construction, and street lighting.
“Our progress has attracted interest from within and outside Nigeria, but our focus remains on delivering housing solutions for institutions to help curb brain drain,” he said.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, stated that the interactive session with FMBN officials, Timik Engineering representatives and members of staff was to address various concerns on NHF.
Adebowale described adequate and affordable housing for staff as critical to improving productivity, retention and welfare in the university system.
“Housing is not just a welfare issue; it is a key factor that affects morale, recruitment, teaching, research and ultimately the services we deliver to the nation,” he said.
He called for accelerated loan approvals, dedicated NHF funding for federal universities, and the development of housing products tailored to the income profiles of academic and non-academic staff.
Adebowale expressed optimism that the collaboration would help address the housing deficit among UI staff and strengthen the university’s ability to attract and retain skilled manpower.
