The accommodation crisis at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka campus is worsening, prompting private operators to offer alternative housing solutions. However, the costs associated with these options may be prohibitive for many students. 

A recent report by Vanguard indicates that rental prices for private hostels vary from N250,000 to N500,000 annually. Some of these facilities are established through Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreements, while others are owned outright by private developers. The types of accommodations available include single apartments and mini flats, with certain rooms featuring air conditioning. For instance, El Kanemi Hostel, a BOT initiative, charges N250,000 per room each year.

Additionally, a source revealed that a hostel managed by the Women’s Society offers en suite rooms with air conditioning, with rental prices reaching as high as N800,000 annually. 

Many parents have voiced their concerns regarding these steep rents, which are beyond the financial reach of most students, thereby exacerbating the demand for the limited accommodation options within UNILAG’s own facilities. Last academic year, the university provided fewer than 8,000 accommodation spaces for nearly 40,000 students.

In addressing the situation, the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Nurudeen Obalola, noted that the university charged N43,000 per bed space in its dormitory-style hostels last year. He explained that the growing student population and insufficient infrastructure have led universities to increasingly depend on private operators to bridge the accommodation gap. 

“Universities are shifting away from direct management of hostel accommodations because we are not constructing new hostels annually, even as student numbers continue to rise,” Prof. Obalola stated. “For example, the construction of the El Kanemi Hostel was halted at one point, necessitating the involvement of private operators under a BOT arrangement to complete it. They must recover their investments, which accounts for the elevated prices.”

Prof. Obalola stated that although the school cannot assure that hostel fees will remain unchanged for the upcoming session, it is dedicated to maintaining affordability. “Last session, we charged N43,000, and from that amount, we even allocated funds to hall leaders for their hall anniversaries. While I cannot confirm the fee for the next session, it will not exceed what students can reasonably manage.” 

He further elaborated on the substantial operational expenses the university incurs. “Even during periods when students were not present on campus, the electricity costs reached approximately N400 million monthly. It’s uncertain what the expenses will be once students return.” 

Prof. Obalola also highlighted the difficulties associated with off-campus living. “Rent prices near the university are high, and commuting from home incurs significant transport costs. Living on campus is the more practical and economical choice.”