The University of Ilorin has reassured students that it will continue to protect them from exploitative accommodation charges, disclosing that it rejected a proposal by private hostel operators to increase hostel fees by nearly 100 per cent before approving a 30 per cent upward review after negotiations.
The institution gave the assurance during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State Axis, following concerns raised by a viral social media report about the recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels on the university campus.
A statement issued on Saturday by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, said the NANS delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, visited the institution to obtain accurate information on the fee review and provide students, parents and members of the public with verified details.
The statement stated that the delegation was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Alex Akanmu, who commended the student body for engaging the university through dialogue rather than relying on unverified reports.
“The decision of NANS to seek clarification directly from the University instead of relying on speculation is commendable and reflects a responsible approach to addressing issues affecting students,” Akanmu said.
The acting dean explained that the accommodation facilities affected by the review are privately owned hostels operating within the university campus and not properties owned by the institution.
“Although these hostels are privately owned, the University regulates their operations to ensure they meet approved standards and that the interests of students are adequately protected,” he said.
Akanmu said accommodation charges in the facilities are reviewed after every three academic sessions, adding that the previous approved rates were ₦196,000 for two-person rooms, ₦180,000 for three-person rooms and ₦157,000 for four-person rooms.
He stated that the hostel operators initially requested an increase of almost 100 per cent, but the Vice-Chancellor and the university management rejected the proposal due to its likely impact on students.
“The Vice-Chancellor and the University management considered the initial proposal excessive and immediately rejected it. Our priority has always been to ensure that students are not subjected to unnecessary financial hardship,” Akanmu said.
He noted that the management subsequently opened discussions with the hostel operators, taking into consideration prevailing economic realities, including inflation and rising maintenance costs.
“After extensive negotiations, both parties reached a compromise with a 30 per cent increase. Consequently, 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,” he added.
According to him, the approval was also tied to measures aimed at improving students’ living conditions in the hostels.
“We directed the operators to upgrade their facilities through renovation works and to provide dependable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems, as part of the conditions for approving the revised fees,” Akanmu said.
He also clarified that some payments made during hostel allocation should not be confused with accommodation fees.
“The caution fee remains refundable provided there is no damage to the allocated facility, while the utility charge of ₦36,400 is meant to cover essential services rendered throughout the academic session,” he explained.
The statement added that the NANS delegation expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the university management after the meeting.
The association commended the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs and other university officials for what it described as their commitment to protecting students’ welfare during negotiations with the hostel operators.
“We are satisfied with the explanations provided by the University management and commend its efforts to ensure that students’ interests were placed above every other consideration throughout the negotiation process,” the association said.
NANS also applauded the university’s transparency and open-door policy, as well as the willingness of the private hostel operators to embrace dialogue and arrive at a compromise.
The student body urged private investors to partner with the institution in developing additional hostel facilities to expand accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and promote healthy competition capable of making student housing more affordable.
“We encourage more private investment in hostel development within the University. Increased accommodation capacity and healthy competition among operators will ultimately benefit students,” the association stated.
NANS further advised bloggers, media organisations and public commentators to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing reports capable of creating unnecessary anxiety among students.
“It is important for all stakeholders to verify sensitive information before publication. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the viral report encouraged constructive engagement and greater transparency on the issue,” the association added.
The student body 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.