A committee has been established by Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, to look into growing complaints about the escalating cost of dormitory accommodations at higher education institutions nationwide.
The action comes in response to numerous complaints from students about what they see as excessive hostel costs, a shortage of housing options, and the growing difficulty of finding suitable housing on campuses—a scenario that many claim is putting a great deal of financial strain on students and their families.
During the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences’ governing councils’ swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Iddrisu announced the decision and gave stakeholders and students the assurance that the government would step in to guarantee equity and affordability in the provision of student housing.
The minister states that in order to investigate the problems and suggest workable ways to deal with the escalating concerns, the committee would involve pertinent players, such as university administrators, private hostel operators, student organizations, and regulatory bodies.
“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 action coincides with a growing public discussion about the cost of living at universities and other postsecondary institutions, with many students advocating for more funding for on-campus housing infrastructure and stricter regulation of hostel prices.
Source: newsthemegh.com