The Management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has denied an allegation on the internet that it evicted a visually impaired student from the institution’s hostel for raising concerns about accommodation conditions.
Reports in some sections of social media had palleged that a visually impaired 300-level student, Nnamdi Daniel of UNN was evicted from his hostel following a viral video highlighting alleged poor hostel accommodation conditions in the institution.
In a press statement issued on Friday signed by Mr Inya Agha Egwu, Acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university described the allegation as false and misleading, insisting that the said visually impaired student, Nnamdi Daniel, is still in the institution’s hostel.
According to the statement, “The Management of the University of Nigeria has taken note of a trending social media post alleging that a visually impaired student, Nnamdi Daniel, was ejected from his hostel for raising concerns about accommodation conditions. We wish to categorically state that this allegation is false and misleading,” the statement stated.
The statement noted that over the past few weeks, the university’s Directorate of Accommodation has intensified efforts to sanitise the hostels by evicting illegal occupants in order to address the persistent issue of overcrowding and improve living conditions for students who are officially allocated bed spaces.
“The defaulting students were given 72 hours to vacate the hostels. This is coming after they have stayed in the hostel free for over two months. The ultimatum given to the defaulters has nothing to do with any press engagement as alleged.
” The student, referenced in the circulating report, had not yet made payment for hostel accommodation allocated to him. However, in line with the University’s tradition of empathy and inclusiveness, he was allowed to remain in the hostel pending when he will be able to pay for his space.
“Nnamdi Daniels is still in the hostel though he is yet to pay for the accommodation,” the statement noted.
The press statement noted further that the University Management is concerned by the inaccurate narrative suggesting that the visually impaired student was forcefully evicted.
“The present administration has in place a policy on inclusiveness and anti-discrimination which protects students and staff with special needs.
“The Management of University of Nigeria is firmly committed to providing a safe and conducive living environment for all students,
The statement noted there are ongoing processes to concession and rehabilitate Zik’s Flats through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
“We urge our students, staff and alumni to remain calm and trust the commitment of the university,” the statement added
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
