From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The management of the University of Ilorin, has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its students, describing them as the primary reason for the institution’s existence.
This assurance was given during a meeting between the University management and a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Axis, following concerns generated by a viral social media report over the recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels located within the University campus.
A statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, said the visit by the NANS Kwara State officials, led by the Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, was aimed at obtaining first-hand information from the University management and providing students, parents and the general public with verified facts on the issue.
The delegation was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, who commended the student body for embracing dialogue and official engagement instead of relying on speculation.
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According to the statement, Dr Akanmu explained that the hostels affected by the fee review are privately owned facilities situated within the University campus. Although the University does not own the hostels, it regulates their operations to ensure compliance with approved standards and to safeguard students’ interests.
Addressing concerns raised by NANS over the increase in accommodation charges, the Acting Dean, disclosed that hostel fees are reviewed after every three academic sessions. He noted 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.
Dr Akanmu further revealed that hostel operators had initially proposed an increase of nearly 100 per cent. However, the proposal was rejected by the Vice-Chancellor and the University management, who entered into negotiations to prevent excessive financial pressure on students.
He explained that after extensive discussions, which took into account prevailing economic realities such as inflation and rising maintenance costs, both parties agreed on a 30 per cent increase. 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.
The Acting Dean also disclosed that the University directed hostel operators to improve the quality of facilities by carrying out necessary renovations and providing reliable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems, as conditions for approving the revised fees.
He clarified that some charges payable during hostel allocation should not be mistaken for accommodation fees. According to him, the caution fee remains refundable where no damage is recorded, while the utility charge of ₦36,400 covers essential services provided throughout the academic session.
At the end of the meeting, NANS Kwara State expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the University management, commending the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs and other officials for prioritising students’ welfare during negotiations with the hostel operators.
The association also praised the transparency, open-door policy and responsiveness of the University management, as well as the willingness of the private hostel operators to embrace dialogue and reach a compromise in the overall interest of students.
NANS further encouraged private investors to partner with the University in developing additional hostel facilities to expand accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and promote healthy competition that would make student housing more affordable.
The student body also urged bloggers, media organisations and public commentators to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing reports capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among students. It, however, acknowledged that the viral report helped stimulate constructive engagement and enhanced transparency on the issue.
NANS Kwara State reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ interests through constructive dialogue, strategic engagement and evidence-based advocacy, while pledging continued collaboration with the University authorities and other stakeholders to advance students’ welfare across the state.
