Residents of Oak House Hostel Face Crisis as Hostel Management Cuts Off Electricity Due to Unpaid Bills

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By Sinmisola Ajibola 
Residents of Oak House, a private hostel, are facing a crisis following the disconnection of electricity and water services by the hostel management. The disconnection stems from a dispute over electricity bills.

The management of Oak House imposed a new fee of ₦6,000 per student for electricity. However, many students have refused to pay, citing the cost as excessive. In response, the hostel authorities took the drastic step of cutting off the power and water supply, leaving residents without these essential services.


"It has been a nightmare," said Ifeoluwa, a resident of Oak House. "We cannot charge our phones, and studying at night is almost impossible. The lack of water is also a major problem." This is happening during test week and just a few weeks before examinations, which is so disheartening for the students.

Iyanuoluwa, another resident, said, "One has never enjoyed this hostel for a month straight. If water is not leaking from upstairs, there will not be light."

Seyifunmi, a resident from the male segment of the hostel, also said, "After paying 250k for a session, why are we experiencing this without prior notice?"

The hostel management has defended its actions, stating that the disconnection was a necessary measure due to the non-payment of bills. They have maintained that the fee is required to cover the cost of electricity consumption.

The students, however, are demanding more transparency regarding the electricity charges and are calling for a reduction in the fees. They are also seeking alternative solutions to the issue.

In an interview with the Oak House Hostel representative, he said, "I reached out to the DSA in February when we had an issue with the new transformer they bought, and during that period, there was no light for two weeks straight. I wrote a letter to call for a bargain concerning the outrageous utility bills of ₦6,000. Until a resolution is reached, the residents of Oak House will continue to endure significant hardships. The situation has raised concerns about the hostel's management practices and the welfare of its residents.

*The names of the sources mentioned above have been changed to protect their identities.


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