Perennial Hostel Fee Hikes: A ticking time bomb – Joshua Dampare writes

The issue of perennial hostel fee hikes in educational institutions which is an act of pure over-exploitation of the student populace has become a growing concern, creating a ticking time bomb that demands urgent national attention.

The continuous escalation of hostel fees not only burdens students financially but also has detrimental effects on their academic performance, mental well-being, and overall educational experience.

This alarming trend calls for immediate intervention by the government and all stakeholders to mitigate the adverse consequences it inflicts on students.

One of the most immediate impacts of recurrent hostel fee hikes is the financial strain it places on students and their families under the current economic conditions in the country.

As fees rise year after year, many students find it increasingly challenging to afford accommodation, leading to heightened economic stress and hardship.

The escalating cost of living in hostel accommodations on campuses of our various universities results in financial exclusion, forcing some students to drop out of their studies altogether due to financial constraints

The perpetual increase in hostel fees significantly impacts students’ academic performance and mental well-being.

Students under financial duress struggle to focus on their studies, as concerns about affordability and accommodation overshadow their educational pursuits.

The added pressure of exorbitant hostel fees contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among students, leading to a decline in academic performance and overall well-being.

The continual rise in hostel fees exacerbates social inequality and exclusion within educational institutions. Students from marginalised backgrounds or low-income families bear the brunt of these fee hikes, facing disproportionate challenges in accessing affordable accommodation.

This perpetuates social disparities, hindering equal opportunities for all students to pursue higher education without facing financial barriers.

The unrelenting increase in hostel fees not only impacts students’ financial stability but also compromises the quality of education and student experience.

As students struggle to afford accommodation, they are forced to compromise on essential resources, such as study materials, nutritious meals, and extracurricular activities that contribute to a holistic educational experience.

The erosion of the educational environment due to financial pressures undermines the overall quality of education provided to students.

When such pressing issues are left unattended in the manner that ought to be, students are conditioned to believe that no one cares and that over-exploitation is an acceptable virtue which enormously affects the character development of future leaders.

Given the multifaceted adverse effects of perennial hostel fee hikes on students, national authorities must address this pressing issue.

Policy reforms and regulatory measures should be implemented to curb arbitrary fee increments and ensure that hostel accommodations remain affordable and accessible to all students.

We therefore call for immediate collaborative efforts between educational institutions, government bodies (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works and Housing), and student representatives to formulate sustainable solutions that prioritize students’ well-being and educational advancement.

It is crucial to address this critical issue promptly to safeguard the well-being and educational opportunities of students across the nation.

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