In a significant development for Kwara State University (KWASU) students, the contentious session-based tenancy agreements have been officially suspended following an emergency meeting held recently in Malete.
The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, aimed to address a range of housing concerns affecting students residing in privately run hostels within the Malete community.
The emergency meeting was convened in response to mounting complaints from students regarding various issues, including rigid tenancy agreements that led to evictions immediately after academic sessions concluded, exorbitant rental rates, and substandard living conditions.
The stakeholders present included representatives from the Malete community, KWASU administration, student body, landlords, caretakers, and agents.
Presided over by the Magaji of Malete, Mallam AbdulRahman Babatunde Oreoluwa, the meeting saw active participation from the KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, top management officers, the Dean of Students Affairs, Student Union Executives, and Mariam Daudu, a member of the institution’s governing council representing the community and youth.
The primary resolution from the meeting was the suspension of session-based tenancy agreements. These agreements, which necessitated students to vacate their accommodations at the end of each academic session, will now be replaced with 12-month tenancy agreements.
This change is expected to provide students with greater stability and peace of mind regarding their housing situation.
Additionally, to ensure that only qualified individuals manage student accommodations, it was resolved that only accredited caretakers and agents would be permitted to operate within the community. This measure aims to enhance accountability and maintain higher standards of service for the students.
A committee was also formed to address broader issues related to student housing. The committee comprises representatives from the Malete community, the University, the student body, and agents and caretakers. Their mandate includes ensuring fair pricing, adequate infrastructure, and proper security for student accommodations. The committee will also be responsible for enumerating student accommodations and ensuring they adhere to community standards.
The Magaji of Malete, Mallam AbdulRahman Babatunde Oreoluwa, expressed optimism that these resolutions would foster a more conducive living environment for students, enhance their academic experience, and strengthen the relationship between the University and the local community.
KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, lauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and emphasized the University’s commitment to the welfare of its students. He assured that the administration would continue to work closely with the community to address any emerging concerns.
Student Union Executives also expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, noting that the new tenancy arrangements and the formation of the oversight committee mark a significant step forward in addressing long-standing housing issues faced by students.
