University of Lagos Refutes Claims of Astronomical Hostel Fee Increase

The University of Lagos, Akoka, has swiftly responded to recent allegations circulating in the media, refuting claims of a significant increase in its hostel fees. This development follows protests by UNILAG students against what they perceived as a hike in obligatory fees. The university management, in turn, cited harsh economic realities and insufficient government funding as reasons for the fee adjustments.

The controversy was further fueled by a message sent to The PUNCH by an unnamed parent, expressing concern over the alleged fee increase. The message stated, "UNILAG fee for accommodation in Sodeinde Hall, a four-man room is N160,000 per person. This I find very ridiculous, paying over half a million naira for a four-man room in a government institution. It is not a private hostel. The hostel was renovated by TETFUND."

In response to these claims, the Dean of Student Affairs at UNILAG, Prof. Musa Obalola, clarified that the Sodeinde Hostel had not been renovated by TETFUND but rather by the university using NEEDS Assessment funds. He further explained that the actual price for accommodation in the Sodeinde Hostel was N135,000, not the N160,000 as mentioned in the parent's message.

Prof. Obalola urged the public to rely on accurate information, emphasizing the university's commitment to maintaining transparency in its fee structure and ensuring that students and their parents are adequately informed.

The University of Lagos continues to grapple with the challenge of balancing the financial demands of running a reputable institution with the need to keep education affordable for all. This situation highlights the broader issues facing higher education institutions in Nigeria, as they seek sustainable ways to provide quality education amid economic constraints.

as reported by punch, Obalola said that the school had a cheaper hostel of N43,000 per bed space, saying parents should pick such a hostel which their financial capacity could afford.

“The price of the said hostel, Sodeinde Hostel is N135,000 and not N160,000. The price we are charging cannot maintain all these hostels because we keep replacing and repairing furniture, clearing sewage, etc., almost on a daily basis. The prices sent out in that message are all rumours,” he said.