True Situation of Hostel Challenges in UNN

By Dr Okwun Omeaku

Attention of the management of the University of Nigeria has been drawn to trending online video and comments regarding the condition of students’ hostels on our campuses.

It is important to acknowledge that some of our hostels are not up to standard because of age. Many of them were built in the 60s and 70s and they have suffered lag in maintenance.

However, the current University administration, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, FAS, has been making concrete efforts to give our students decent accommodation.

Renovation of the hostels has already started in phases. Toilet ends of Okpara hall were renovated during the COVID-19 lockdown. Okeke hall has also been renovated and in top form. Mbanefo hall, the largest male hostel, is currently under renovation.

To boost the capacity of our students’ accommodation, the administration entered into BOT agreement with Viagem Properties Limited to build hostel blocks of over 12000 bed spaces. The project is ongoing and the first phase will be commissioned by 2022.

The University is at the verge of finalizing an agreement for the reconstruction of Zik’s flat which is expected to add another 6000 bed spaces.

We urge our students and parents to be patient with the University administration. We are very committed to addressing the age-long hostel challenge.

We also call on our alumni, parents, organizations and good-spirited Nigerians to partner with us to fast track the renovation of the hostels.

Dr Omeaku is the Ag. Public Relations Officer, UNN