The Students’ Affairs Division (Private Hostel Unit) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has issued a fresh set of rules and regulations governing private hostel accommodation ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year, targeting students who plan to reside in privately‑run hostels.

The notice outlines the new guidelines, which are intended to raise the standard of private hostel environments, streamline the allocation process, monitor student behaviour, and tackle the recurring problems linked to off‑campus housing.

According to the circular, the overhaul was triggered by numerous complaints, including instances where pupils paid for rooms but were never assigned a space, as well as cases where landlords failed to complete promised repairs after receiving payment.

Under the revised framework, every private‑hostel landlord must register their property with the Private Hostel Unit and submit detailed information on the rooms that are available for rent.

The Unit also mandated that landlords and caretakers ensure their facilities are fit for habitation following an inspection that will take place no later than two months before the start of the academic session. Any premises judged unfit must be renovated promptly, or the owner risks losing the university’s approval to operate.

The updated rules require landlords to:

• Provide proper waste‑disposal services for residents
• Deploy security personnel to safeguard the premises
• Install locked kitchen units for each occupant
• Refrain from levying any agency fees, allowing students to pay only the agreed rent

Prospective residents are now obliged to fill out an official application form and forward it to the Private Hostel Unit for verification before any payment is made. An administrative charge of ₦2,000 per application will be levied on landlords and caretakers.

In terms of student conduct, the Unit bans cooking inside bedrooms, the use of electric cookers unless specific conditions are satisfied, and any unauthorised gatherings such as church services, club meetings or society events within hostel grounds.

The notice also lists prohibited behaviours, including:

• Visits by members of the opposite sex inside the hostels
• Homosexual activity and lesbian relationships
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol, gambling, fighting, cult activities and other social vices

Furthermore, the Unit states that individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter private hostel facilities, and students must not remit any payments to third parties unless they receive direct instructions from the Unit.

A compulsory monthly sanitation exercise has been introduced for all residents, and the notice warns that any breach of the stipulated guidelines may lead to eviction from the private hostel or trigger additional disciplinary measures in line with university policies.

Finally, landlords and caretakers are charged with enforcing the regulations and are required to report any violations to the Private Hostel Unit for appropriate action.