By Idris Hauwa Nana
For many female students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), private hostels seem like an attractive option. They promise privacy, independence, and a chance to build meaningful relationships with roommates. However, reality often falls short of these expectations.
Amina Idris, a 300-level political science student, opted for a private hostel seeking utmost privacy. However, she soon discovered that the experience was marred by numerous challenges. One of the most notable issues was the poor construction of the hostels.
Shama Village Hostel, a popular private hostel in UDUS, is a case in point. Despite having over 10 buildings with numerous rooms exclusively for females, the hostel’s infrastructure leaves much to be desired. Students have to contend with cramped rooms, limited space, and exorbitant prices.
More Students, More Ordeals
Mabsusat Lawal, a 200-level pure and environmental chemistry student, echoed similar sentiments. “Private hostels can be cramped, and students may have to share a room with others. The rooms are small, and the price is high,” she lamented.
In addition to the physical challenges, students in private hostels also face issues like insecurity, noisy neighbors, and untidy environments. “Some private hostels are not secure for students. We also have noisy neighbors and face challenges of lack of cleanliness,” Lawal recounted.
For Rebecca Madaki, a 300-level business administration student, the allure of private hostels lay in their relatively calm environment. “I chose a private hostel because it’s not overcrowded like the school hostels. I prefer quiet places,” she explained.
However, not all students are fortunate enough to find a peaceful haven in private hostels. Ruth Victor, a 300-level English and literary studies student, emphasized the importance of maintenance in private hostels. “When something spoils in your room, you’ll be the one to repair it,” she noted.
Peace Nuhu, a 300-level management science student, shared similar concerns. “The only problem with private hostels is that when something breaks, you have to fix it yourself,” she said.
Khadija Usman, a 400-level agriculture student, highlighted other challenges faced by students in private hostels. “We lack water, have bad network providers, and the toilets are small. The caretakers are also unresponsive to our complaints,” she lamented.
Students Have to Bear the Structure of the Hostels – Caretaker Reacts
Mallam Ahmad Umar, a caretaker, attributed the subpar conditions in private hostels to the local building standards. “The way houses are built in Sokoto cannot be compared to other states. Students have to bear with the structure of the hostels,” he explained.