By Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
The management of the University of Ilorin has restated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its students, saying they are the main reason for the existence of the instution.
This assurance was given during a meeting between the 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 on the University campus.
A statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, disclosed that the visit of the NANS Kwara Axis officials, led by its Chairman,
Comrade Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke, aimed to obtain first-hand information from the University management and provide students, parents and the public with verified details on the issue.
The NANS delegation was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), by the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, who commended the student body for adopting dialogue and official engagement rather than relying on speculation.
The statement quoted the Ag. Dean as saying that the hostels affected by the fee review are privately owned facilities located within the University premises.
Dr Akanmu explained that while the University does not own the hostels, it regulates their operations to ensure compliance with approved standards and safeguard students’ interests.
Responding to concerns raised by NANS over the reported increase, the Dean disclosed that hostel accommodation charges are reviewed after every three academic sessions. He said the previous approved rates stood at ₦196,000 for two-person rooms, ₦180,000 for three-person rooms and ₦157,000 for four-person rooms
Dr Akanmu revealed that hostel operators had initially proposed an increase of nearly 100 per cent, but the proposal was rejected by the Vice-Chancellor and the University management, which entered into negotiations to prevent excessive financial pressure on students.
He further disclosed that after extensive discussions that considered prevailing economic realities, including inflation and rising maintenance costs, both parties agreed on a 30 per cent increase, bringing the approved accommodation fees to ₦255,000 for two-person rooms, ₦234,000 for three-person rooms and ₦204,000 for four-person rooms
Dr. Akanmu added that the University also directed hostel operators to improve the quality of facilities by carrying out renovations and providing reliable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems, as part of the conditions for approving the revised fees.
He further clarified that certain charges payable during hostel allocation should not be mistaken for accommodation fees, explaining that 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.
Following the meeting, NANS Kwara expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the University management, commending the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs and other officials for prioritising students’ welfare during negotiations with hostel operators.
The association also praised the transparency and open-door policyof the University management, as well as the willingness of private hostel operators to embrace dialogue and reach a compromise in the interest of students.
NANS further encouraged private investors to partner the university in developing additional hostel facilities to increase accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and promote healthy competition that could 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 greater transparency on the issue.
NANS Kwara reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of students through constructive dialogue, strategic engagement and evidence-based advocacy, pledging continued collaboration with institutional authorities and other stakeholders to advance students’ welfare across the state.
