‘Write to DSA if You’re Yet to Pay Tuition to Avoid Losing Allocated Hostel Accommodation’ —ULSU Tells Students

By Divine Wariboko

The University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU) has advised students who have been allocated hostel bed spaces but are currently unable to pay their tuition fees to formally write to the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) to explain their circumstances and express their intention to retain their allocated spaces while making payment arrangements.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, by the Students’ Executive Council, the union acknowledged the financial and accommodation challenges currently facing students and disclosed that it is engaging relevant authorities to address these concerns.

According to the union, the DSA will maintain a special list of students in this category to ensure that their situations are duly noted and considered, recognizing the financial difficulties some students may be experiencing during this period.

Addressing concerns around the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ULSU noted that freshers who are yet to receive matriculation numbers, a requirement for the loan application, may need to source funds temporarily to pay part or all of their school fees while awaiting their matriculation numbers and subsequent NELFUND disbursement to the university.

Adding that applicable refunds can then be processed.

For returning students, ULSU emphasized that the requirement to pay school fees before applying for NELFUND places an additional burden on students who need the funding to meet those costs.

The union said the Director of CITS has met with the Vice-Chancellor on the matter, with discussions ongoing toward establishing a more workable process.

ULSU acknowledged that staying with family, friends, or coursemates may be the only practical option for some students who cannot afford off-campus accommodation or travel long distances to attend the university.

While acknowledging management’s concerns about overcrowding and associated health and safety risks, the union stated that it is actively engaging with the Vice-Chancellor, the DSA, and other relevant authorities to secure a practical solution that considers students’ circumstances while addressing these concerns.

The Students’ Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to representing students’ interests and working constructively with management, urging students to rely only on verified developments.