“We Want Binji Landlords to Make Amendments”— UDUS Management Clarifies

Following a recent circular released by the management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), warning students not to enter into any residential agreements with the Binji landlords on the university’s main campus, reactions from the students' residents have continued to follow the development.

The circular, which came shortly before the release of another one from the Binji Hostel management directing students to pay their rent before going to their various homes, has generated confusion among the occupants, like Abdulmajeed Gbolakale, a 200-level law student, especially as the next academic session approaches.

Abdulmajeed said he was initially happy when the school management released its circular, believing it would make the Binji landlords to fix the long-neglected issues and fix the hostels. However, his excitement quickly turned into confusion after the Binji management issued another circular asking students to pay their rent early. “Now, I don’t know which one to follow,” he  said.

Another student, Taiwo AbdulRasheed, also a 200-level Law student and Binji resident, criticized the Binji management for allegedly defying the university’s authority. “Binji landlords dares UDUS management by releasing a circular that contradicts theirs. They're only doing that to threaten students, but I’m not scared at all,” Taiwo said.

Similarly, Kabiru Oladimeji, a student, urged the university to take firm action against the Binji management, alleging that residents have endured poor conditions despite their increased rent fees.

“I don’t even stay in Binji, but I know how residents suffer from lack of water and electricity, even after the rent was increased,” Kabiru stated.

For students like Hakeem Abibat, a 100-level student of political Science, the situation has already influenced her housing decisions for the next academic session. “I regret staying in Binji. Even with this new circular, I’ve made up my mind to move to a school hostel next session,” she said.

“We Want Binji Landlords to Make Amendments,” UDUS Management Clarifies

Speaking with The Digest Press, Professor S.Y. Tsagem, Dean of Private Hostels, explained that the circular from UDUS was intended to make the Binji management to make an amendment due to ongoing complaints about poor amenities such as water, electricity, and damaged toilets.

He revealed that the university had already instructed the Binji management to reverse the N20,000 rent increase introduced this session. However, despite the warning, the hostel continued to demand the higher fee without making any improvements.

“The circular was necessary because students in Binji have suffered a lot. The increment was unjustified, and there were no renovations. For now, students are advised not to pay any rent to the Binji management until further notice,” Prof. Tsagem stated.

When this reporter asked him if the directive will affect other private hostel residents, he answered that the directive only affects Binji properties, and not other private hostels.

“Students need to cooperate with the university and follow instructions. We are already in talks with the Binji management, and if the meeting ends positively, we’ll make a new publication. But for now, any student who pays rent there will face the penalty involved,” he warned.