ROOMS OUT OF REACH: THE GROWING ACCOMMODATION CRISIS IN DELTA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY, ABRAKA

ROOMS OUT OF REACH: THE GROWING ACCOMMODATION CRISIS IN DELTA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY, ABRAKA

By Akpodeh Promise Oghenero

The host community to the Delta State University, Abraka, is engulfed in accomodations crisis as many students find it difficult to secure any.

In this piece of work, the writer, Akpodeh Promise Oghenero, a 100 Level student of Delta State University (Delsu), Abraka, Department of Mass Communication, thoroughly identified some pertinent factors responsible for the shortage of accommodations in the University community, raised concerns over Delsu’s worsening accomodations crisis, warning that accommodation crisis in in the University community if not handle within the next few years it may lead to something grievous adding that thousands of students are currently face increased rents, housing shortages and overcrowding in the University town.

The issue of housing and accommodation has been a long-standing topic of conversation. Abraka, the host community of Delta State University, has long been known as a bustling and vibrant academic town. However, behind all the bustling activities of the lecture halls and busy streets lies a growing crisis that continues to affect thousands of students every year – the shortage of affordable and decent accommodation.

As student enrollment increases, the demand for accommodation has far exceeded the available supply. Many students, upon arrival on campus for the first time, are greeted with the harsh reality of unavailable rooms, which begins an endless search, only to discover that rents have risen beyond their financial capacity.

“The search for rooms has become a nightmare,” said a student who recently resumed for the new academic session.

“I spent weeks searching, but the available ones are either already occupied or too expensive.”

Students are forced to share a tiny room with others and split the rent between them, which often times leads to a cramped space, no privacy and a not conducive environment for studying.

“The accommodation challenge has become one of the most pressing issues facing students in Abraka.”

With limited spaces available in university-owned hostels, with slots being given on a first-come, first-served basis, a larger percentage of students are forced to seek residence off campus. This situation has contributed to the sharp increase in rental prices. Experts attribute the crises to several factors, which include inadequate hostel facilities, an increase in student admissions and the rising cost of building materials and the cost of land in Abraka.

“The cost of land is too expensive, with a 100 by 50 costing about 6 million, coupled with the increased cost of building materials.” Said Mr Lucky Emebradu, a landlord in Abraka.

Many property developers struggle with high building costs, limiting the development of affordable housing options and severely dropping the availability of accommodations.

The effects of the crisis are visible far across the town. Students are forced to crowd into small rooms to reduce expenses, and others are forced to live far across campus, spending additional money and time on transportation. Poor sanitation and security concerns have also become common complaints among residents. Education analysts warn that the shortage of housing may have serious consequences for the students’ academic performance and overall well-being. A comfortable and secure living environment plays a crucial role in effective learning, and many students are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve that balance.

Despite these challenges, stakeholders believe solutions are possible. Calls have intensified for the construction of additional university hostels and improved infrastructure throughout Abraka. Some have also advocated for policies aimed at regulating excessive rent.

Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, has publicly stated that the university plans to build additional hostel facilities to accommodate more students. He announced hostel expansion as part of the university’s broader infrastructure development plans.

The university has also continued operating and allocating available hostel spaces while exploring ways to improve campus infrastructure.

“While the Delta state Government and Delsu Management have announced plans to construct additional hostel facilities, many students believe the pace of implementation must increase if the accommodation crisis in Abraka is to be meaningfully resolved.”

For many students, the search for a room is no longer just a routine part of campus life – it has become a struggle for survival in a town where affordable accommodation is becoming increasingly difficult to find.