The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has set up a panel to look into complaints about escalating hostel charges at universities and other higher learning institutions nationwide.
The decision comes after students nationwide raised concerns over what they call excessive accommodation fees, a shortage of rooms and the growing challenge of finding decent places to stay on campus.
Many say the situation is putting heavy financial strain on them and their families. Mr. Iddrisu made the announcement at the swearing-in of the governing councils for the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS), promising students and stakeholders that the government would step in to make student housing fairer and more affordable.
The minister explained that the committee will consult key groups, including university management, private accommodation providers, student representatives and regulatory bodies, to review the problem and recommend workable measures.
“Be assured that the government will simply not run on the principles of private partnership, where unlimited fee guidelines will dictate the pace. We will be social, and we will reflect social values and concerns in the delivery of that public good,” he stated.
The move follows mounting public discussion over accommodation expenses at tertiary institutions, as students push for tighter control of hostel fees and more investment in on-campus housing facilities.
