Hostel Crisis Deepens At Kano Varsity, Management Seeks Govt Intervention

The management of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has appealed to the Kano State government and other stakeholders for urgent intervention to address acute accommodation shortages and infrastructural challenges on campus.

The appeal was made during an inspection tour of renovated hostel facilities by the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd), amid rising concerns over overcrowding driven by increased student enrolment.

Speaking after the inspection, the dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Abdulkadir Mohammad, said the university currently has 22 hostels with capacity for about 5,000 students, while the student population has exceeded 18,000. He disclosed that the deficit has compelled the institution to house up to eight students in rooms originally designed for four.

According to him, the overcrowding has negatively affected students’ comfort, facility maintenance and general welfare, warning that the situation would worsen without the construction of additional hostels.

Prof. Mohammad explained that the ongoing hostel renovations were funded through maintenance charges of N15,000 per bed space, with an optional N5,000 for mattresses. He noted that the funds are used for repairs, water supply, electricity and daily sanitation services.

“Our hostels are cleaned daily, and these services are sustained from what we collect from students.

However, infrastructure and landscaping challenges remain, hence the need for external support,” he said.

The vice chancellor Prof. Tukur Musa Yakassai said the university adopted a direct labour approach for the renovations, supported by an on-campus job scheme that engages students from technical and engineering disciplines. He said the initiative reduces costs while providing students with practical experience.

He also revealed that the university clinic has been upgraded to a general hospital offering maternity, paediatric and specialist services to the campus and host community.

Commending the efforts, Justice Abdu Aboki said the renovations would improve student comfort but urged the university to explore alternative revenue sources beyond government funding to support the institution.