Students from Abia State under the aegis of the National Association of Abia State Students has appealed to Governor Alex Otti for intervention over the inconsiderate hike in Lodge rents by Landlords around the Abia State University .
In a letter of Appeal titled “Urgent Appeal to Address the Hike in Lodge Rents Around Abia State University Uturu Campus”, the students said the rising costs are not commensurate with the quality of the accommodations provided.
The Appeals reads in Parts;
“I write to bring to your attention the alarming and incessant increase in the cost of student lodges around the Uturu campus. This issue has become a significant burden on students and their families, many of whom already struggle to meet the financial demands of education”
“The rising costs are not commensurate with the quality of the accommodations provided. Many of these lodges lack basic amenities such as water supply, stable electricity, and adequate security. Yet, landlords continue to increase rent arbitrarily, with little to no regulation or oversight”
“This trend not only exacerbates the financial strain on students but also poses a serious threat to their academic performance and overall well-being. Many students are forced to live in substandard conditions or commute long distances due to unaffordable rents, which affects their focus and ability to thrive in their studies”
“I kindly appeal to the State Government and the Ministry of Housing to take urgent steps to address this issue by:
1. Enforcing rent regulation laws: to prevent arbitrary increases in lodge rents.
2. Monitoring and inspecting student lodges: to ensure they meet minimum standards for habitation.
3. Collaborating with private developers: to provide affordable and quality housing for students.
4. Introducing subsidies or grants: for low-income students to help them afford decent accommodation”
Factors that have led to this inhuman increment includes;
1 : The recent pronouncement by his excellency mandating the Umuahia/law campus to come over to the main campus.
2 : Few lodges compared to the population on ground. Due to demand outweighing supply,these lodges continue to increase their rents yearly and use their lawyers to force these fees down the throat of students.
3: Threat of immediate eviction for those who speak up or cant meet up with the payments plus arrests are made to outspoken students.
4:it is also important we note that the students can not be asked to go to the school hostel because the school accomodation can not contain the whole Abia State university students,so there is a need to live off campus
Lodges guilty of such Inhuman activities;
1: Holy Eucharist one and two (250,000.00 to 350,000.00)it is important that the occupants of the said lodge was notified of the increment in their lodge rent previously from 200,000.00 to 250,000.00 and within a period of one year, the same lodge management has increased their rent from 250,000.00 to 350,000.00 that’s exactly 100,000.00 increment within a year without any form of maintenance
By addressing this issue, the government will be playing a crucial role in promoting a conducive learning environment for the students of Uturu campus and easing the financial burdens on families.
2: Queency lodge (350,000.00 to 500,000.00 )with just 2hrs power supply and steady water
3: Bethel Lodge (120,000-200,000) with no light nor water supply.
4: Cowbell lodge (180,000.00 to 230,000.00) for a single room and 300,000.00 for two rooms without light and water
5: River stone lodge (150,000 to 180,000)last year then from (180,000 to 200,000)now.
6: Jovis lodge
As of last year,it was increased from 180,000.00 to 230,000.00 and just within a year the same lodge has been increased from 230,000.00 to 300,000.00
7:Las Vegas lodge: increased from 120,000.00 270,000.00
and the only reason for this increment is that they want to renovate it
8:New Jersey lodge
Increased from 180,000.00 to 250,000.00
9:matrix lodge
Increased from 150,000.00 to 200.000.00 without light and water
10:Treasure castle lodge: from 120,000.00 annually to 220,000.00 annually without water and light
These are just a few of such lodges as 90% of lodges have carried out these increments and believe that nothing will happen.
We would also like to bring to your notice sir that these are just one room a toilet and a kitchen
we hereby plead for an immediate intervention from the Students Friendly Governor to act in a way that will solidify the love we students and parents already have in this government.
Finally Sir,it is important to state emphatically that most of these lodges are over 5,15 and 20 years old and the economy should not affect them as their owners must have recouped their capital many years ago.
I trust in your commitment to education and the welfare of students, and I hope you will act swiftly to remedy this pressing matter.
Thank you for your attention and anticipated action
*COMR UGORJI JOSEPH EMOLE*
*NAASS WORLDWIDE PRESIDENT ELECT*
