The management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising students' welfare, assuring that every effort is being made to provide a conducive academic environment despite prevailing economic realities.

The assurance was given during a meeting between the university management and a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Axis, following public concerns over the recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels located within the university campus.

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

The 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 NANS for choosing dialogue and official engagement instead of relying on speculation.

Dr Akanmu explained that the affected hostels are privately owned facilities situated within the university campus, noting that although the university does not own them, it regulates their operations to ensure compliance with approved standards and safeguard students' interests.

According to him, accommodation charges are reviewed after every three academic sessions. He disclosed that the previous approved rates were N196,000 for two-person rooms, N180,000 for three-person rooms and N157,000 for four-person rooms.

He revealed that hostel operators initially proposed an increase of nearly 100 per cent, but the Vice-Chancellor and the university management rejected the proposal and entered into negotiations to shield students from excessive financial burden.

Following extensive discussions that considered inflation and rising maintenance costs, both parties agreed on a 30 per cent increase, bringing the approved accommodation fees to N255,000 for two-person rooms, N234,000 for three-person rooms and N204,000 for four-person rooms.

Dr Akanmu added that the university also directed hostel operators to improve facilities through renovations and the provision of alternative power sources, including solar energy systems, as part of the conditions for approving the revised fees.

He further clarified that some charges payable during hostel allocation should not be confused with accommodation fees, explaining that the caution fee remains refundable where no damage is recorded, while the N36,400 utility charge covers essential services throughout the academic session.

After 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 protecting students' interests during negotiations with hostel operators.

The student body also praised the transparency and open-door policy of the university management, as well as the willingness of hostel operators to embrace dialogue and reach a compromise in the interest of students.

NANS further encouraged private investors to partner with the university in developing more hostel facilities to increase accommodation capacity, improve service delivery and promote healthy competition that could make student housing more affordable.

The association 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 reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students' interests through constructive dialogue, strategic engagement and evidence-based advocacy while pledging continued collaboration with the university and other stakeholders to advance students' welfare across Kwara State.