Mosque to build N1.1b, 250-bed student hostel at UNILORIN
The Ilorin Central Jummah Mosque Committee has announced plans to construct a 250-bed student hostel within the University of Ilorin campus, with a projected cost of N1.1 billion.
The announcement was made during the committee’s annual meeting with its Board of Trustees and stakeholders, where the project details were formally unveiled.
According to the committee, the development is part of the mosque’s strategy to increase its internally generated revenue (IGR) and strengthen its financial independence.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, confirmed that a letter of intent had already been submitted to the university authorities. He also noted that the meeting’s programme brochure included a 3D architectural plan of the proposed hostel.
Historically, the mosque’s operations have depended heavily on donations, but recent financial pressures have prompted a shift toward sustainable investment projects.
The mosque currently faces rising monthly recurrent expenses, which have escalated to N5.5 million, largely due to inflation. Among these costs, electricity bills alone surpass N1 million monthly, reflecting challenges with inconsistent power supply.
In addition, the committee is planning to allocate N100 million for new prayer rugs in the mosque’s main hall, a move aimed at maintaining the facility’s spiritual and aesthetic quality.
On this, Alhaji AbdulGafar stated, “Our mosque is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent religious centres in Nigeria and beyond. It deserves the kind of maintenance that will preserve its elegance and spiritual ambience.”
The Ilorin Central Jummah Mosque Committee is chaired by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.
The student hostel project is expected to serve as a significant revenue-generating asset, helping to address the mosque’s ongoing financial demands while providing accommodation for university students.
The committee’s investment in the hostel aligns with its broader goal of ensuring the mosque’s sustainability and operational continuity amid changing economic conditions.
