University of Ilorin guarantees students shield against exorbitant accommodation fees

The University of Ilorin has given assurances to students that it will maintain its protection of them from excessive accommodation charges, revealing that a proposal by private hostel operators to increase fees by nearly 100 per cent was rejected, with a 30 per cent increase ultimately approved after negotiations.

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This reassurance was provided during a meeting with officials from the National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State Axis, prompted by concerns over a viral social media report about the recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels on campus.

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A statement released on Saturday by the university's Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, outlined that a NANS delegation, led by Chairman Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, met with the institution to gather accurate information on the fee review and provide verified details to students, parents, and the public.

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The delegation was received by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Alex Akanmu, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who commended the student body for engaging the university through dialogue rather than relying on unverified reports.

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Akanmu praised the decision of NANS to seek clarification directly from the university, describing it as commendable and reflecting a responsible approach to addressing student issues.

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The acting dean explained that the accommodation facilities affected by the review are privately owned hostels operating within the university campus, not properties owned by the institution, and that the university regulates their operations to ensure they meet approved standards and protect student interests.

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Accommodation charges in these facilities are reviewed every three academic sessions, with previous approved rates being ₦196,000 for two-person rooms, ₦180,000 for three-person rooms, and ₦157,000 for four-person rooms.

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Akanmu stated that the hostel operators initially requested a nearly 100 per cent increase, but the Vice-Chancellor and university management rejected this proposal due to its potential impact on students.

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The management then entered discussions with the hostel operators, considering economic realities such as inflation and rising maintenance costs, ultimately reaching a compromise with a 30 per cent increase.

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The approved accommodation fees are now ₦255,000 for two-person rooms, ₦234,000 for three-person rooms, and ₦204,000 for four-person rooms, with the approval tied to measures aimed at improving students' living conditions in the hostels.

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Akanmu directed the operators to upgrade their facilities through renovation works and provide dependable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems, as part of the conditions for approving the revised fees.

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He also clarified that certain payments made during hostel allocation should not be confused with accommodation fees, explaining that the caution fee remains refundable if there is no damage to the allocated facility, while the utility charge of ₦36,400 covers essential services throughout the academic session.

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The NANS delegation expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the university management after the meeting, commending the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, and other officials for their commitment to protecting students' welfare during negotiations.

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NANS applauded the university's transparency and open-door policy, as well as the private hostel operators' willingness to engage in dialogue and reach a compromise, and urged private investors to partner with the institution in developing additional hostel facilities.

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The student body encouraged increased private investment in hostel development within the university, stating that expanded accommodation capacity and healthy competition among operators would ultimately benefit students.

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NANS advised bloggers, media organisations, and public commentators to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing reports that could create unnecessary anxiety among students.

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The association reaffirmed its commitment to advancing students' welfare through constructive dialogue, strategic engagement, and evidence-based advocacy, pledging continued collaboration with the university management and other stakeholders across Kwara State.