Haruna Iddrisu calls for limits on annual university accommodation fee increases

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has introduced a proposal to regulate the annual rise in accommodation fees at public universities, suggesting a framework that could tie adjustments to inflation and keep them within a range of five to 10 percent. He advocated for the formation of a committee to evaluate accommodation expenses and propose acceptable annual increases under the Fees and Charges Act.

Speaking to the media, Mr Iddrisu expressed apprehension about the escalating rents and stated that a clear adjustment mechanism could make university accommodation costs more predictable. "We do not endorse exorbitant rent prices being charged across the country," he noted. "In my opinion, we should establish a committee to advise the Finance Minister before he moves forward with the Fees and Charges Act on what percentage increase is permissible each year."

The Minister proposed that economic conditions at the time should inform any recommended adjustments. "We could use, for example, inflation as a guide, with an annual increase of 5 to 10 percent," he added. The proposed committee would determine an appropriate benchmark for these increases, with the goal of limiting arbitrary or excessive adjustments to accommodation charges. The five to 10 percent range is currently a suggestion by the minister, rather than a formal cap.