Nigeria’s universities are facing a severe accommodation crisis as soaring hostel rents and inadequate on-campus housing leave students and parents struggling nationwide, prompting federal efforts to expand Public-Private Partnerships.
Nigeria’s universities are battling a worsening accommodation crisis as hostel shortages and skyrocketing rents push students and parents to breaking point. From Lagos to Jos and Uyo, students are forced to squat, commute long distances, or pay exorbitant rates of up to ₦1.2 million for private hostels. “I was taken aback when an agent demanded ₦400,000 for a bed space shared by three people,” lamented a parent, Victor. At the University of Lagos, only about 8,000 bed spaces exist for over 40,000 students, while similar shortages plague UNIBEN, UNIJOS, and UI.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged state governments to regulate rents, describing current costs as “unbearable.” The Federal Ministry of Education said it is addressing the challenge through Public-Private Partnerships to expand affordable hostel facilities. “The government has done a lot through encouraging PPP,” said ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, adding that sustainable investment is key to ending the crisis.