Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, have raised concerns over a significant increase in rental fees for privately-owned hostels within the campus area.

The hike, reportedly reaching up to 40 percent, has sparked protests among affected students.

Investigations revealed that a room previously rented at ₦500,000 per session now costs over ₦710,000, accommodating four students. Meanwhile, the rent for a single-occupancy room has surged to ₦950,000.

Private hostels gained popularity last academic session due to delays in the renovation of university-owned accommodations by the Federal Government.

During the period, the university adopted online learning for a semester, with students only returning physically in batches for examinations.

When contacted regarding the rising costs, the university’s Head of Communication Unit, Mrs. Adejoke Ibraheem, declined to provide an immediate comment, instead directing inquiries via email.

As the new academic session has yet to commence, university authorities have not released official fees for the on-campus hostels.