The management of the University of Ilorin has pledged renewed commitment to students’ welfare amid growing concerns over rising cost of accommodation and the delay in the refund of Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
In a statement, the university assured students that measures are being put in place to cushion the effects of the current economic realities.
With accommodation costs soaring across Ilorin and many students still awaiting NELFUND loan refunds, the University of Ilorin says it remains committed to prioritizing students’ welfare.
The management stated that despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing to provide support and ensure a conducive learning environment.
Metrobusinessnews.com checks reveal that the rent in hostels built by the private sector on the campus is going beyond the average Nigerian students while off-campus areas in Tanke, Oke-Oyi, Sanrab, among others have experienced exponential increase.
MBN further gathered that a room of four students will be going from about N198,000 to N250,000 from next semester beginning from September, 2026.
Worse still, delays in National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) disbursement and refunds have left many students struggling with fees and upkeep
Some of the affected students told MBN that they have received the N20,000 monthly stipend once since this year, even though they are rumours of resumption of payment soon even as most students have finished their exams and are planning to pack out the hostels this week.
Also, the management of the University has deferred the reimbursement of the tuition fees paid by the students early in the semester to next semester, beginning from September.
However, the management of the University at the weekend pledged its greater commitment towards prioritising the welfare of its students in order to make the academic environment conducive for its teeming students.
This was contained in a statement issued by the institution’s management, signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, and made available to journalists in Ilorin.
The 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.
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 Acting Dean of 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 Acting 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.
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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 policy of 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.
