By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua

The President of the Students Union at the University of Benin, Comr. Israel Nmoye has condemned the act of students acquiring and reselling of hostel accommodation on campus to colleagues at a very expensive rate.

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the President of the Students Union released a letter addressed to the University of Benin students titled, “Reselling of hostel spaces”. In the President’s letter, he kicked against the acquisition and the resale of hostel spaces on campus by students of the institution who often time do not need the space but resell to students in need of spaces at very exorbitant prices for the purpose of making profits. The President has said that practice is unjust and against the principles of equity and fairness that should guide the academic community.

According to the letter, the president pointed out that such actions violate the university’s regulations. He said, “First and foremost, I would love to state that such actions are in direct violation of the university’s regulations. The allocation of hostel spaces is a transparent and merit-based process, designed to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to access affordable accommodation. The allocation of spaces follows the principle of first come, first served and it is given to those who apply because THEY NEED SPACE TO LIVE IN. Reselling these spaces undermines this process and disadvantages those who genuinely require to stay on campus.”

“Also, this practice is deeply immoral. It takes advantage of the desperation of fellow students who are in need of shelter, often forcing them to pay prices far beyond their means. This exploitation is not in line with the values of empathy, solidarity, and community that should define our university. If we indeed consider one another brothers, is the noble thing not to consider our brother’s wellbeing?” the letter also reads.

However, the president admonished the students involved in such dastardly act to refrain from such and return the hostel spaces to the university management, as failure to adhere may result in disciplinary measures in line with the university’s rules and regulations. Those found or caught in the act may not be able to appeal, as sanctions will be uncompromising.

In the letter, he concluded by saying, “Let us uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and fairness that UNIBEN stands for. Together, we can create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our academic community and yet in a little while, our earnest desires shall materialise.”

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