The University of Ilorin has assured students that it will continue to protect them from exploitative accommodation charges, revealing that it rejected a proposal by private hostel operators to increase hostel fees by nearly 100 per cent before approving a 30 per cent upward review following negotiations.

The university gave the assurance during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Axis, after concerns emerged over the recent increase in accommodation fees in privately owned hostels located on the university campus.

In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the institution said the NANS delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, visited the university to obtain accurate information on the fee review and provide students and parents with verified details.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Alex Akanmu, commended NANS for seeking clarification directly from the university.

“The decision of NANS to seek clarification directly from the University instead of relying on speculation is commendable and reflects a responsible approach to addressing issues affecting students,” Akanmu said.

He explained that the affected hostels are privately owned but operate under the university’s regulatory oversight to ensure students’ interests are protected.

According to him, accommodation fees are reviewed every three academic sessions, with the previous approved rates set at ₦196,000 for two-person rooms, ₦180,000 for three-person rooms and ₦157,000 for four-person rooms.

Akanmu disclosed that the hostel operators initially sought an increase of almost 100 per cent, but the university management rejected the proposal.

“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,” he said.

He said both parties later reached a compromise after considering prevailing economic realities, resulting in a 30 per cent increase. The new approved rates are ₦255,000 for two-person rooms, ₦234,000 for three-person rooms and ₦204,000 for four-person rooms.

Akanmu added that the approval was conditional on improvements to hostel facilities, including renovation works and the provision of reliable alternative power sources such as solar energy.

He also clarified that the refundable caution fee and the ₦36,400 utility charge are separate from the accommodation fees.

Following the meeting, NANS expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by the university and commended the management for prioritising students’ welfare during negotiations.

“We are satisfied with the explanations provided by the University management and commend its efforts to ensure that students’ interests were placed above every other consideration throughout the negotiation process,” the association said.

The student body also called for increased private investment in hostel development to expand accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and encourage healthy competition that would make student housing more affordable.

NANS further urged bloggers, media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information before publication to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety among students.