The management of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, has raised fresh concerns over severe accommodation shortages on campus, appealing to the Kano State Government and other stakeholders for urgent support in providing additional hostels and critical infrastructure.
The call was made during an inspection tour of recently renovated hostel facilities led by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Abdu Aboki (Rtd), on Wednesday. The visit highlighted the growing strain on student housing as enrolment continues to rise.
Speaking after the inspection, the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Abdulkadir Mohammad, disclosed that the university currently operates 22 hostels that can accommodate only about 5,000 students, despite a student population that has grown beyond 18,000. He said the shortfall has forced the university to place as many as eight students in rooms originally designed for four.
According to him, the overcrowding has serious implications for student comfort, maintenance of facilities and overall welfare. He stressed that without the construction of additional hostels, the pressure on existing infrastructure would continue to worsen and affect learning conditions.
Prof. Mohammad explained that the ongoing renovation of hostel facilities was funded through hostel maintenance charges of 15,000 naira per bed space, with an optional 5,000 naira fee for mattresses. He said the funds cover repairs, water supply, electricity and daily cleaning services across the hostels.
“Our hostels are cleaned daily, and all these services are sustained from what we collect from students,” he said. “Despite these efforts, the challenges in infrastructure and landscaping remain significant, which is why we are appealing for broader support.”
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tukur Musa Yakassai, said ADUSTECH adopted a direct labour approach for the renovations, complemented by an on campus job scheme that engages students from technical, vocational and engineering related disciplines.
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He noted that the initiative not only reduces costs but also gives students valuable hands-on experience, while ensuring quality execution of the projects.
Prof. Yakassai also revealed that the university clinic has been upgraded to a general hospital, now offering maternity, paediatric and specialist services to students, staff and members of the host community. He described the upgrade as part of efforts to improve welfare and healthcare access on campus.
Commending the management for its efforts, Justice Abdu Aboki said the hostel renovation initiative would enhance student comfort and contribute to a more conducive academic environment. However, he advised the university to explore alternative sources of revenue generation rather than relying solely on government funding.
The appeal by ADUSTECH comes amid growing concerns about student housing across public universities, as rising enrolment continues to outpace infrastructure development.
