The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has constituted a committee to investigate growing concerns over the rising cost of hostel accommodation at tertiary institutions across the country.
The move follows widespread complaints from students over what they describe as exorbitant hostel fees, limited accommodation spaces, and the increasing difficulty in securing decent housing on campuses, a situation many say is placing significant financial pressure on students and their families.
Mr. Iddrisu announced the decision during the swearing-in ceremony of the governing councils of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, where he assured students and stakeholders that the government would intervene to ensure fairness and affordability in the provision of student accommodation.
According to the minister, the committee will engage relevant stakeholders, including university authorities, private hostel operators, student bodies, and regulatory institutions, to examine the issues and propose practical solutions to address the growing concerns.
“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 minister’s intervention comes amid increasing public debate over accommodation costs at universities and other tertiary institutions, with many students calling for stronger regulation of hostel fees and expanded investment in on-campus housing infrastructure.
