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 on the recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels located on the University campus.
A statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, said the visit by the NANS Kwara Axis officials, led by its Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke, was aimed at obtaining first-hand information from the University management and providing students, parents and the public with verified details on the issue.
The delegation was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, who commended the student body for choosing dialogue and official engagement rather than relying on speculation.
According to the statement, Dr Akanmu explained that the hostels affected by the fee review are privately owned facilities situated within the University premises. While the University does not own the hostels, he said it regulates their operations to ensure compliance with approved standards and safeguard the interests of students.
Responding to concerns raised by NANS over the increase, the Acting Dean disclosed that hostel accommodation charges are reviewed after every three academic sessions. He said 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 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 subsequently 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 were therefore revised 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 their 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 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.
Following the meeting, NANS Kwara 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 and open-door policy of the University management, as well as the willingness of the private hostel operators to embrace dialogue and reach a compromise in the 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 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 students’ interests through constructive dialogue, strategic engagement and evidence-based advocacy, pledging continued collaboration with the University authorities and other stakeholders to advance students’ welfare across the state.