By Erewunmi Peace

Students at Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are raising serious concerns over the soaring cost of accommodation — a situation many describe as “crazy” and unsustainable.

According to reports, the cost of student hostels and nearby private accommodation has escalated sharply, putting pressure on students and their families.

High Fees at LASU
At LASU, students say the fees for on-campus hostels are significantly high considering the condition and limited number of beds available.

While authorities have introduced newer hostel facilities, the charges — ranging from approximately ₦280,000 to over ₦350,000 per session — remain steep for many undergraduates, especially given the poor infrastructure and crowded rooms.

Several students pointed out that these charges are often higher than comparable private rentals off campus, yet the quality of services and amenities in the hostels do not reflect the high prices.

UNILAG Students Face Even Bigger Burden
At the University of Lagos, the accommodation challenge is more acute.

On-campus hostels are few and far between compared to the student population, leaving many undergraduates with no choice but to seek private housing.

Nearby private hostels and shared apartments are reportedly charging amounts as high as ₦650,000–₦700,000 per student per session, and in some cases even more, depending on the location and facilities offered.

For many students, these high costs translate to long daily commutes from cheaper areas, adding transport costs and time to their already demanding academic schedules.

Students Speak Out
Several students told reporters that the high accommodation fees are squeezing their budgets and forcing difficult choices between food, textbooks, and rent. Some have resorted to sharing rooms with multiple roommates, while others commute from distant parts of Lagos to cope with the costs.

“These accommodation fees are too much. We pay a lot for rooms that barely have basic amenities,” said one LASU student who asked not to be named.

What This Means
The rising cost of student housing at Nigeria’s major universities reflects broader economic pressures and a shortage of affordable housing options in university towns. For many students, balancing academic life with financial strain is becoming increasingly difficult.

Observers say universities and government authorities should work with stakeholders to expand affordable housing options for students, improve hostel facilities, and regulate prices in nearby private rentals.