By: Peace Obafemi and Khadijat Adeyemo

House across Nigeria has been steadily increasing, putting financial pressure on tenants, especially students. The situation is becoming more pronounced for students of Federal Polytechnic Offa, who rely on affordable off-campus accommodation to manage their studies and daily expenses.

IMPACT ON STUDENTS / EFFECT ON STUDENTS
Students at Federal Polytechnic Offa are feeling the effects of rising rents in multiple ways:
• Financial Pressure – Many students depend on allowances or part-time work to pay for rent. Higher rental costs leave less for their feeding, transport, and academic needs.
• Overcrowding – Some students are forced to move into smaller or shared rooms to reduce cost, leading to overcrowded living conditions.
• Impact on Academic Performance – When students constantly worry about rent, finances, or changing accommodation, it affects their concentration, attendance, and overall performance.
• Strain on Parents/Guardians – Rising rent also puts added pressure on families who support these students financially.

IN MY OWN PERSPECTIVE AND OPINION I THINK WHAT CAN BE DONE IS THAT?
• Student Advocacy: The student union student Government and student activist can negotiate with landlord for reasonable rents and longer lease terms
• Affordable Housing Station: In which the institution and local authorities could consider building more student hostels or subsidized housing that will be comfortable for student cause in hostels because it is not properly sanitized so the school authorities should work on it.

CURRENT RENT PRICE IN OFFA
School Hostels: Federal Polytechnic Offa hostel accommodation with a bed space was 85,000 in last semester but after thus increasement it was 100,00 which is really affecting the growth population at Federal Polytechnic offa demanding for increasement of hostels.

Off-campus accommodation: Single rooms was 70,000 last semester but after thus increasement it was 120,000 while self-contained rooms was 140,000 last semester but after this increasement it was 220,000 above.

This high rents may lead to overcrowded living conditions as students share spaces to reduce costs, impacting their living and study environment.

The Nigerian government has proposed that rent increase should not exceed 20% of existing rents. This proposal seeks to protect tenants, including students from exploitation.

In conclusion the increase in house rent in Nigeria is a pressing issue, especially for students at Federal Polytechnic Offa collaboration between students, school authorities and local government is crucial to ensure affordable, safe and conducive housing for learners, by working together, the student community can navigate these challenges while continuing to focus on academic and personal growth.