Session-Based Tenancy Agreements Suspended in Malete Following Emergency Stakeholder Meeting

 Housing concerns for Kwara State University (KWASU) students residing in privately-run hostels in the Malete community have been addressed through new resolutions reached at an emergency stakeholder meeting held on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

The meeting was convened in response to student complaints about session-based tenancy agreements, which required students to vacate their accommodations immediately after the academic session ended. These agreements, coupled with concerns over high hostel rates, infrastructure inadequacies, and security issues, prompted the urgent discussions.

One of the key resolutions from the meeting was the suspension of session-based tenancy agreements. This will be replaced with 12-month tenancy agreements, providing students with more stability throughout the academic year and avoiding forced relocations during breaks.

Additionally, only accredited caretakers and agents will be permitted to operate in the community, ensuring that students have access to reliable and approved housing services. To further address concerns regarding fair pricing, infrastructure adequacy, and student security, a committee has been established. This committee includes representatives from the Malete community, KWASU, the student body, and housing agents and caretakers.

The committee will be tasked with enumerating student accommodations, ensuring they meet community standards, and maintaining proper coordination to improve the overall quality of housing available to students.

The emergency meeting, presided over by the Magaji of Malete, Mallam AbdulRahman Babatunde Oreoluwa, saw participation from a range of stakeholders including KWASU Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, top university management officers, the Dean of Student Affairs, Student Union Executives, and Mrs. Mariam Daudu, a member of the institution's governing council representing the community and youth. Also present were members of the Malete community, landlords, caretakers, and agents.

This collaborative effort aims to enhance the living conditions of KWASU students in Malete and ensure that their housing needs are met in a fair and regulated manner.