Dangote Takes Over ₦1.1bn UNILORIN Hostel Project, Pledges ₦5m Monthly Support for Ilorin Mosque

ca’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has again demonstrated his philanthropic commitment by assuming full responsibility for the construction of a ₦1.1 billion ultramodern 250-bed hostel at the University of Ilorin.

The project, initially conceived by the Ilorin Central Jumma’at Mosque, is designed to serve students of the university while generating rental income to support the upkeep of the mosque.

At a press briefing on Sunday, Shehu AbdulGafar, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the mosque, confirmed that Dangote had officially communicated his decision to fund the project, which will significantly ease student accommodation challenges in Ilorin.

According to AbdulGafar, the mosque has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ilorin, giving it management rights for 21 years, after which the hostel will revert to the institution.

Dangote has also pledged a monthly donation of ₦5 million to the mosque’s maintenance and operations until the hostel is completed.

The contributions began last month, underscoring his immediate commitment to the community’s welfare.

“This gesture from Alhaji Aliko Dangote will not only provide a modern facility for students but will also ensure that the Ilorin Central Mosque has a sustainable income source for its operations,” AbdulGafar noted.

Dangote, whose foundation has previously invested billions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across Nigeria, has been lauded for using his wealth to uplift communities.

The new project adds to his growing list of philanthropic interventions, further cementing his role as one of Africa’s most impactful private sector benefactors

Punch