UDUSON Updates Rules for Private Hostels

UDUSON Updates Rules for Private Hostels

The Students’ Affairs Division (Private Hostel Unit) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has introduced revised rules and regulations governing private hostel accommodation ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

The new guidelines are aimed at improving living conditions in private hostels, regulating accommodation allocation, promoting responsible student conduct and addressing challenges associated with private accommodation.

According to the notice, the review follows complaints from students who paid for accommodation but were not allocated rooms, as well as cases where promised repairs were left incomplete after payment.

Under the revised regulations, all private hostel owners are required to register their properties with the Private Hostel Unit and provide details of the rooms available for allocation.

Landlords and caretakers must also ensure that their hostels are in a habitable condition before inspection, which will be conducted at least two months before the start of the academic session. Properties found unsuitable for student accommodation must be renovated or risk losing their approval.

The University further directed hostel owners to provide adequate waste disposal facilities, security personnel and secured kitchen facilities. Landlords are prohibited from charging students agency fees, as students are only required to pay the agreed rent.

Students seeking private accommodation must complete the official application form and submit it to the Private Hostel Unit for verification before making any payment. An administrative fee of ₦2,000 per application will be payable by landlords or caretakers.

The guidelines also outline rules governing students’ conduct. Cooking inside rooms, the use of electric cookers outside approved conditions, and unauthorised gatherings such as church services, club or society meetings are prohibited within hostel premises.

Other prohibited activities include inappropriate opposite-sex visits, same-sex sexual activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, gambling, fighting, cultism and other forms of social misconduct.

The Unit further stated that students below the age of 18 will not be permitted to stay in private hostels. Students are also warned against making payments to anyone unless specifically instructed by the Private Hostel Unit.

Monthly sanitation exercises have also been made compulsory for all residents. Students who violate the regulations may face eviction and other disciplinary measures in accordance with University rules.

Landlords and caretakers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the guidelines and reporting any violations to the Private Hostel Unit for appropriate action.

UDUSON Updates Rules for Private Hostels