The management of the University of Ilorin has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing student welfare following concerns raised over a recent review of accommodation fees in privately owned hostels on campus.

In a statement from the Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the university said the assurance followed a meeting between management and a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State chapter, prompted by a viral social media report about the fee changes.

The student delegation, led by chairman Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke, sought firsthand information from the university to provide students, parents and the public with verified details. The delegation was received on behalf of Vice Chancellor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole by acting Dean of Student Affairs Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, who commended students for choosing dialogue over speculation.

Akanmu clarified that the affected hostels are privately owned facilities within university premises, which the institution regulates but does not own, and explained that accommodation charges are reviewed every three academic sessions. He said the previous approved rates were 196,000 naira for two person rooms, 180,000 naira for three person rooms and 157,000 naira for four person rooms, and that hostel operators had initially proposed an increase of nearly 100 percent, which the vice chancellor and management rejected in favor of negotiation.

After discussions that accounted for inflation and rising maintenance costs, both sides agreed on a 30 percent increase, setting new rates at 255,000 naira, 234,000 naira and 204,000 naira for two, three and four person rooms respectively. Akanmu said the university also required hostel operators to improve facilities, including renovations and reliable alternative power sources such as solar systems, as a condition for the new rates, and clarified that a separate refundable caution fee and a 36,400 naira utility charge covering essential services should not be confused with accommodation fees.

Following the meeting, the student association expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided and praised the university’s transparency, while also urging private investors to help develop additional hostel capacity to improve affordability through competition. The group encouraged bloggers and media organizations to verify information before publishing reports that could cause unnecessary anxiety among students, while acknowledging that the viral report had helped prompt constructive engagement on the issue.