The Great Ife Students’ Union, in a statement issued on September 8, addressed the ongoing concerns regarding hostel accommodation on campus.
The Union reported that only Awolowo Hall (for male students) and Moremi Hall (for female students) have been approved by the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) for students wishing to stay on campus during the holiday. However, confusion arose earlier in the day when both halls were locked, leaving many students stranded.
Union leaders explained that the lockdown resulted from an “overzealous” action by porters who misinterpreted directives from the DSA. The hostels have since been reopened, and students were allowed back in by the evening.
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The statement further clarified the conditions for extended stays. Students leaving the hostels this week are exempt from any payment. Those with pressing reasons to remain on campus must obtain a letter from their Heads of Department (HOD) and present it to the DSA for approval. The DSA will then communicate the specific amount payable based on each student’s circumstances.
Union officers emphasised that this process should be completed by tomorrow, September 9, to ensure a “hitch-free stay” in the designated hostels. This development follows weeks of discussions between the DSA, hall executives, and the Students’ Union regarding the ₦10,000 extended stay fee previously announced. After student protests and negotiations, the fee was reduced to ₦8,000 for general cases, with further considerations for SWEP, ICAN, SIWES, and other specific categories of students.
With this latest resolution, the Union assured members of its commitment to transparency and student welfare, urging all affected students to comply with the outlined process.