UNILORIN assures students of protection from excessive hostel charges

UNILORIN Rejects 100% Hostel Fee Hike, Settles for 30% After Talks With Students The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has moved to calm tensions over a recent hike in privately-owned hostel fees on campus, confirming that it turned down an initial request from hostel operators for a fee increase of nearly 100 per cent before eventually approving a more moderate 30 per cent adjustment. The clarification followed a meeting between university management and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State chapter, after a report about the fee changes went viral on social media and sparked concern among students and parents. What Happened According to a statement from the university's Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the NANS delegation — led by its chairman, Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke — visited the institution to get first-hand, verified information rather than rely on unconfirmed reports circulating online. The delegation was received on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Alex Akanmu, who praised the students for choosing dialogue over speculation. Not University-Owned Hostels Akanmu clarified that the hostels affected by the fee review are privately owned facilities operating on campus, not properties belonging to the university itself. However, he noted that the institution still regulates their operations to protect students' interests and maintain approved standards. Old vs New Fees Hostel charges are reviewed every three academic sessions. Here's how the numbers changed: Room Type Old Fee New Fee (after 30% increase) Two-person room ₦196,000 ₦255,000 Three-person room ₦180,000 ₦234,000 Four-person room ₦157,000 ₦204,000 Management said hostel operators had originally pushed for an increase close to 100 per cent, citing inflation and rising maintenance costs — but this was rejected outright as excessive. "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. After further negotiations that factored in current economic realities, both sides settled on the 30 per cent compromise. Conditions Attached The fee approval wasn't unconditional. As part of the deal, hostel operators were directed to: Renovate and upgrade their facilities Provide reliable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems Clearing Up the Caution Fee and Utility Charge Akanmu also addressed confusion around other charges students pay during hostel allocation: Caution fee — refundable, as long as there's no damage to the room Utility charge (₦36,400) — covers essential services throughout the academic session These are separate from the accommodation fee itself. NANS Reacts Following the meeting, NANS expressed satisfaction with management's explanations and commended the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, and other officials for prioritising students' welfare throughout the negotiation. The association also called on private investors to build more hostels on campus, arguing that increased capacity and healthy competition among operators would ultimately make accommodation more affordable for students. NANS further cautioned bloggers and media platforms to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing reports that could cause unnecessary panic — while acknowledging that the viral report had, in this case, pushed the university toward greater transparency.