The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has set up a committee to investigate growing concerns over the high cost of hostel accommodation at tertiary institutions across the country.
The move follows widespread complaints from students about rising hostel fees, inadequate accommodation spaces and the difficulty many face in securing decent housing on campuses.
Many students say the situation is placing a heavy financial burden on them and their families.
Mr Iddrisu announced the decision during the swearing-in ceremony of the governing councils of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences.
He assured students and stakeholders that the government would step in to ensure fairness and affordability in student accommodation.
According to the minister, the committee will engage university authorities, private hostel operators, student groups and regulatory bodies to examine the situation and recommend practical solutions.
“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 issue of hostel accommodation has become a major concern in many tertiary institutions, with students repeatedly calling for stricter regulation of hostel charges and increased investment in on-campus accommodation facilities.