The University of Ilorin has assured students that it remains committed to protecting them from excessive accommodation charges, revealing that it rejected an initial proposal by private hostel operators to almost double hostel fees before approving a 30 per cent increase after negotiations.
The assurance followed concerns generated by a viral social media report on the review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels located within the university campus.
In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the institution said officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Axis, visited the university to seek clarification on the revised charges and obtain accurate information for students and the public.
The delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu.
Akanmu commended the student body for engaging the university directly instead of relying on unverified reports.
“We appreciate the decision of NANS to seek clarification from the university rather than depend on speculation. It reflects a responsible approach to addressing issues affecting students,” he said.
He explained that the affected hostels are privately owned facilities operating within the university campus but are regulated by the institution to safeguard students’ interests and ensure acceptable standards.
“Although these hostels belong to private operators, the university oversees their operations to ensure compliance with approved standards and to protect students from exploitation,” Akanmu stated.
According to him, accommodation fees in the hostels are reviewed after every three academic sessions. Before the latest review, approved rates stood at ₦196,000 for two-person rooms, ₦180,000 for three-person rooms and ₦157,000 for four-person rooms.
He disclosed that hostel operators initially sought an increase of nearly 100 per cent, but the university management rejected the proposal.
“The Vice-Chancellor and the management considered the initial request excessive because of the financial burden it would place on students. Our priority has always been to prevent unnecessary hardship,” Akanmu said.
He noted that following further discussions, both parties agreed on a 30 per cent increase in consideration of prevailing economic realities, including inflation and rising maintenance costs.
Under the new rates, students will pay ₦255,000 for two-person rooms, ₦234,000 for three-person rooms and ₦204,000 for four-person rooms.
Akanmu added that the approval was conditional on hostel operators improving living conditions by renovating facilities and providing reliable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems.
“The revised fees were approved with the understanding that operators would upgrade their hostels and improve essential services for students,” he said.
He also clarified that the refundable caution fee and the ₦36,400 utility charge are separate from accommodation fees, explaining that the utility fee covers essential services throughout the academic session.
Following the meeting, the NANS delegation expressed satisfaction with the university’s explanations and praised the management for prioritising students’ welfare during negotiations.
“We are satisfied with the clarifications provided by the university and commend the management for ensuring that students’ interests remained the top priority throughout the negotiation process,” the association said.
The student body also called for increased private investment in hostel development to expand accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and encourage healthy competition that could make student housing more affordable.
NANS further urged bloggers, media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information before publication to avoid creating unnecessary anxiety among students while reaffirming its commitment to promoting students’ welfare through dialogue and constructive engagement.
