The Oppressor’s Game In OAU: Uncovering the Underground Hostel Resale Market
By Rahmat Olanrewaju
Ife, Osun State.
“An oppressed person is a potential oppressor; just a taste of power is enough to show it.” This troubling dynamic is unfolding on our campus, where students now face an unexpected surge in hostel costs. Recently, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University( OAU) increased hostel fees from N25,000 to N50,000, a move that has set off a chain reaction. In response, an underground resale market has flourished, with hostel rooms now being resold for as high as N120,000 to N130,000.
For many students, this price hike is difficult to bear. Those who once managed to afford on-campus housing now struggle with the doubled fees, forcing them to seek accommodation further away. But the real story isn’t just the official price hike—it’s the profitable reselling trend that has emerged in its wake.
With demand far outstripping available hostel spaces, some students have found an opportunity to profit. Those who secured rooms at the official rate are now subletting them at nearly triple the price. “This has turned into a business for many of them—they’re hiking prices for personal gain,” shared one student, who asked to remain anonymous.
The consequences are particularly hard on students who can’t afford these steep resale prices. According to Aka Daniel, the Public Relations Officer of the student union of OAU, the union is aware of the issue and is working on solutions. In a similar conversation, David Ogunlade, the Public Relations Officer of the Association of Campus Journalists, said he was not aware of the resale trend but expressed confidence that management would act if informed. However, all attempts to reach the student union president, Omoboriowo Damilola, and the Secretary-General, Babatimehin Kinfeosi, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The call for the administration to intervene is growing. Students are demanding a fairer system that prioritizes access over profit, hoping to end the exploitation and provide equitable housing for all.
