Group Launches Campaign To Reduce House Rent For Students, Civil Servants, Other in Osun

In a bid to make accommodation more affordable for students studying in higher institutions within Ede, Osun State, a group of concerned youths has launched an advocacy initiative aimed at addressing the rising cost of student hostels in the area.

The youths, all indigenes of Ede, said they could no longer fold their arms and watch agents, in collaboration with some landlords, exploit students by charging exorbitant rents for hostels.

Speaking during a telephone interview, the Coordinator of the group, Olaniyan Qamordeen (Alaafia fun Ilu Ede), explained that the group began its advocacy by inviting agents and landlords for dialogue through official correspondence.

According to Qamordeen, “We held a meeting with them a few days ago at Ede City Hall, Oja Timi, to discuss the reasons behind the hostel rent hike. We plan to reconvene soon to continue the engagement.”

Qamordeen lamented the continuous increase in hostel prices, noting that such acts do not reflect the hospitality and friendliness that Ede is historically known for.

He revealed that findings from the group’s investigation showed that some agents and landlords charge students varying amounts for the same hostel rooms, describing the act as exploitative and unfair.

“Houses that our fathers used to rent out for ₦2,000 monthly have now been inflated by agents to around ₦100,000 per year for students,” he said.

“Single-room self-contained apartments now cost between ₦250,000 and ₦280,000 annually, depending on the area.”

Qamordeen vowed that the group would not allow agents and landlords to continue exploiting students with unreasonable rent charges for hostels that were built many years ago.

He added that the group’s ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with landlords on a reasonable and fair rent—one that would be satisfactory to both property owners and affordable for students coming to Ede from different parts of Nigeria to pursue their academic careers.

The coordinator also appealed to students seeking accommodation to exercise patience until January 12, when the group will unveil cheaper housing options for them.

“The advocacy campaign is not only for students but will generally benefits tenants, civil servants who are residing in Ede” he said.