Outrage As Private Hostel Fees Soar at UNILAG, Rooms Hit ₦950,000

Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, have expressed outrage over sharp increases in rents charged by private hostel operators on campus.

Investigations revealed that some private hostels have raised fees by nearly 40 per cent, with a room that previously cost ₦500,000 per session now pegged at ₦710,000. In some cases, single rooms are being advertised for as high as ₦950,000 per session.

The development comes as many students still rely heavily on private hostels following the temporary closure of university-owned hostels last session. The Federal Government had ordered renovations, forcing the school to switch to online learning for one semester. Students only returned physically to write examinations in batches.

When contacted, UNILAG’s Head of Communication Unit, Adejoke Ibraheem, directed that enquiries be sent officially to the university’s communication email address for a formal response.

Meanwhile, the university has yet to release updated accommodation charges for its official hostels, as the new academic session has not commenced.

The hike has sparked growing concerns among students and parents, who argue that accommodation on campus is fast becoming unaffordable for the average Nigerian family.