Ekiti Nursing College Criticized For Charging ₦1 Million For Substandard Student Accommodation

The management of Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences, Ado-Ekiti, is facing widespread criticism for imposing a ₦250,000 accommodation fee per student for the current academic session. This totals a staggering ₦1 million for a single room accommodating four students, a fee many have deemed unreasonable considering the condition of the facilities.

Students and Parents React to the High Cost

Affected students revealed that the new fee was introduced following the opening of a new hostel facility. However, this hostel reportedly lacks basic modern amenities.

“In the old hostel, we paid around ₦50,000 per student, and it was more spacious and comfortable than this new one, which comes with an exorbitant price tag,” a student lamented.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows that the new hostel is poorly equipped, with limited space and no significant upgrades to justify the increased fee.

A parent expressed frustration, stating, “The rooms are too small for four students. Each student paying ₦250,000 for such substandard living conditions is unacceptable.”

Hostel Inspection and Findings by Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association of the college conducted an inspection and raised several concerns:

Room Size: The rooms are too cramped to accommodate four students comfortably.
Kitchen and Bathroom: These facilities are inadequately sized, barely functional, and not suitable for the number of occupants.
Ventilation: Rooms lack proper cross-ventilation, with a single small window.
Basic Amenities: There are no fans, and the wardrobes are insufficient for even two students.

The association demanded the accommodation fee be reduced to ₦100,000 per student and called for adjustments to room occupancy, limiting each room to two students to ensure comfort.

Alumni and Regional Comparison

The school’s alumni association joined in criticizing the fee, labeling it the highest among educational institutions in Ekiti State and across the Southwest region of Nigeria.

Despite the premium cost, the hostel lacks essentials such as proper ventilation, fans, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms and toilets are described as poorly designed and substandard, further questioning the justification for the high charges.

The alumni association suggested:

Fair Pricing: Reduce fees to match regional standards.
Return to Old Hostel System: Allow students to use the previous facilities, which were more affordable and better suited to their needs.
Freedom of Choice: Permit students to seek accommodation outside the school premises, tailored to their financial capacity.

Economic Challenges and Students’ Welfare

The groups highlighted the economic hardship currently facing families, arguing that imposing such fees demonstrates a lack of consideration for students’ and parents’ financial struggles.

“₦1 million for a room shared by four students is unrealistic and exploitative,” they stated.

Management’s Response

When contacted, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mrs. Adaramola, declined to comment, stating, “I won’t address this issue over the phone. It is not formal.”

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the new hostel fees at Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences underscores a critical issue in Nigeria’s education system: balancing institutional needs with students’ welfare. With mounting pressure from students, parents, and alumni, it remains to be seen how the college management will address these grievances.

By reducing the fees and improving the hostel’s standards, the institution can create a conducive learning environment while alleviating the financial burden on its students and their families.

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