The University of Ilorin has disclosed that it rejected a proposal by private hostel operators to increase accommodation fees by nearly 100% and instead approved a 30% upward review following negotiations aimed at shielding students from an excessive financial burden.

The university disclosed during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State Axis, convened after a viral social media report on the fee review generated widespread concern among students, parents, and members of the public.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Corporate Affairs Kunle Akogun confirmed that the NANS delegation, led by the Chairman Comrade Yusuf Eleburuke, visited the institution to obtain verified details on the development. The delegation was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs Alex Akanmu.

Akanmu clarified that the hostels affected by the review are privately owned facilities operating within the university campus and are not institutional properties, though the university regulates their operations to protect student interests.

He noted that accommodation charges are reviewed after every three academic sessions, with the previous approved rates standing at ₦196,000 for two person rooms, ₦180,000 for three person rooms, and ₦157,000 for four person rooms.

"The Vice Chancellor and the University management considered the initial proposal excessive and immediately rejected it. Our priority has always been to ensure that students are not subjected to unnecessary financial hardship," Akanmu said.

Following negotiations that took into account prevailing economic realities, including inflation and rising maintenance costs, both parties agreed on a 30% increase. The revised rates now stand at ₦255,000 for two person rooms, ₦234,000 for three person rooms, and ₦204,000 for four person rooms.

Akanmu added that approval of the revised fees was tied to conditions requiring hostel operators to carry out renovation works and install dependable alternative power sources, including solar energy systems.

The NANS delegation expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by university management and commended the Vice Chancellor and acting dean for prioritising student welfare throughout the negotiation process.

"We are satisfied with the explanations provided by the University management and commend its efforts to ensure that students' interests were placed above every other consideration throughout the negotiation process," the association stated.

NANS also called on private investors to develop additional hostel facilities within the university to expand accommodation capacity and encourage competition that would make student housing more affordable.