The National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State Chapter, has held talks with the management of the University of Ilorin over the recent hike in rent for privately run hostels on campus.
The meeting was led by NANS Kwara Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke. It followed viral social media reports about the fee increase. NANS said the purpose was to get direct clarification from the University so students, parents, and the public could get accurate information.
The delegation was received by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.
Dr. Akanmu praised the students for choosing dialogue instead of speculation and restated that the University maintains an open-door policy on student welfare matters.
He explained that although the hostels are privately owned, they are located within the University and are regulated to uphold standards and protect students.
According to him, hostel fees are reviewed every three academic sessions. The last approved rates were:
2-man room: ₦196,000
3-man room: ₦180,000
4-man room: ₦157,000
Dr. Akanmu added that hostel owners first proposed almost a 100% increase. The Vice-Chancellor and management rejected that and negotiated a lower adjustment to ease the burden on students.
As part of the new agreement, hostel operators must renovate their buildings and provide alternative power, including solar systems, to improve living conditions.
After negotiations, a 30% increase was approved. The new rates are:
2-man room: ₦255,000
3-man room: ₦234,000
4-man room: ₦204,000
The Dean also noted that other fees paid during allocation are not part of the rent. The caution fee is refundable if there is no damage, and the utility fee of ₦36,400 covers essential services for the academic session.
At the end of the meeting, NANS Kwara commended the University Management, the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs, and hostel operators for reaching a compromise that prioritized students’ welfare.
The association also urged bloggers and media outlets to confirm details with the right authorities before publishing stories that could cause panic.
