PETITION TO THE OGUN STATE MINISTRY OF HOUSING

Petition for Regulation of Excessive Rent, Agency Fees and Other Charges Imposed on Student Tenants in Ilaro

We, the undersigned students of Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, respectfully bring to the attention of the Ogun State Ministry of Housing the growing hardship faced by students seeking and maintaining off-campus accommodation in Ilaro. Beyond the continuous increase in house rent, students are frequently confronted with multiple and sometimes undisclosed charges by landlords and house agents, including agency, agreement, inspection, caution and other fees. These costs, combined with rising prices of essential commodities, have placed an increasing financial burden on students and their families.

We therefore call on the Ogun State Government, through the appropriate ministry and agencies, to establish and enforce clear regulatory guidelines for landlords and house agents operating in Ilaro, particularly regarding the disclosure, justification and collection of additional charges from tenants. We respectfully request consideration of a uniform and transparent benchmark for permissible agency, agreement and related tenancy charges, especially for student accommodation, while ensuring that such regulation remains consistent with existing Ogun State laws and the legitimate rights of property owners.

We further request that the Government establish an accessible complaint and dispute-resolution mechanism through which students and other tenants can report excessive, hidden or unlawful charges and seek appropriate intervention. We believe that transparent regulation will protect tenants from exploitation while also providing responsible landlords and legitimate property agents with a clear framework within which to operate.

This petition is therefore a collective appeal from affected students of Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, seeking urgent government intervention to make accommodation more transparent, predictable and affordable. We respectfully urge the Ogun State Government to hear the concerns of students and take practical steps towards a fairer rental environment in Ilaro.

Signed:
Concerned and Affected Students of Federal University of Technology, Ilaro
Yewa South, Ogun State, Nigeria