Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are protesting a sharp rise in accommodation costs at private hostels located on the Akoka campus.
Several hostel operators reportedly increased their rents by nearly 40 percent ahead of the new academic session. For instance, a one-bedroom self-contained unit that previously cost ₦500,000 is now being rented for over ₦700,000 per year.
Private hostels became popular last year after the federal government-owned official hostels underwent prolonged renovations. During that period, the university temporarily adopted online learning, with students returning in batches only to write their examinations.
When contacted for clarification on the situation, UNILAG’s Head of Communication Unit, Alhaja Adejoke Alaga Ibraheem, declined to give an official response, directing all enquiries to the school’s communication unit email.
It was further gathered that since the new academic session is yet to begin, the university management has not announced the official hostel charges for its government-owned facilities.
Students say the rising cost of accommodation has become a major burden and are calling on both the school authorities and government to intervene.
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