UNILAG Student's N700,000 Hostel Receipt Triggers Widespread Reactions
A student from the University of Lagos, identified as Lasisi Iyinoluwa Daniel, has stirred significant online buzz after sharing a receipt for his hostel accommodation payment, which amounted to N700,000. The post, made on the social media platform X, quickly went viral, fueling intense debates about the escalating costs of student housing in Nigerian public universities.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Hostel Fees
The student responded to a tweet by a user named @IfeDada2, who had speculated that students in public universities pay as much as N750,000 for hostel accommodations. In his clarification, Daniel emphasized that he paid N700,000 and that the hostel in question is not a public facility but a private mixed hostel located on the university campus. He stated, "It's 700k and it's not a public hostel, it's a private mixed hostel on campus. where you see 750k?" He further elaborated by sharing the receipt, which confirmed the exact amount.
Details of the Hostel and Payment
The receipt, dated August 30, 2025, reveals that the accommodation is provided by El-Kanem Hall 2 Hostel & Suites, managed by De Harbinger. The N700,000 fee covers the entire academic session. Daniel explained that this is a per-person cost in a four-person room, meaning the total room revenue amounts to N2.8 million. He described the situation as "day light robbery" but acknowledged that students opt for such accommodations for comfort and convenience, despite the high price.
Student's Justification and Hostel Management Insights
In his comments, the student defended his choice, highlighting the benefits of private hostels over public ones. He noted that while public hostels often face issues like water shortages, private facilities like his include utilities such as water and electricity without additional bills. He said, "I don't pay water bills and electricity bills here but in a self con, i go pay. and one thing about living with someone else, they will stress you... at the end of the day if you weigh everything you'll just accept that staying in a mixed hostel on campus is lowkey better, it's expensive but you're paying for comfort." Additionally, he mentioned that the hostel management is on a 10-year lease, with about five years remaining, and they are allegedly maximizing profits before the property reverts to the university.
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
The viral post elicited a range of responses from netizens. User @Theroyalbasit commented, "People will gladly pay that 700k as long as it's not public owned. If the Govt or sch mngt. decide to build similar hostel for say 250k/annum, that's when minimum wage will be invoked. The sch mngt is aware of this fact, nd that's why they leased the land to private investors." Another user, @Kanyin__xx, expressed shock, saying, "Even my self-con 300k per year for Ago i still dey complain. This is too much." These reactions underscore growing concerns about affordability and the role of private investment in campus housing.
Related Context and University Stories
This incident adds to ongoing discussions about student life and financial pressures in Nigerian higher education. In a related development, the University of Lagos' best graduating student recently shared his experience of being rejected by the University of Ibadan, while another graduate protested over unemployment issues. Additionally, the best graduating student from Lagos State University has spoken about her admission struggles, further highlighting the challenges faced by students in the country.
The story, originally reported by Legit.ng with contributions from Victoria Nwahiri, continues to resonate as it sheds light on the economic realities of university education in Nigeria, prompting calls for more affordable housing solutions and greater transparency in campus accommodation policies.
