Operators in the building sector have said the poor condition of campus hostels is pushing nearly 70 per cent of students toward private and off-campus accommodation options. He said, “It is estimated that more than 70 per cent of higher education students seek alternative accommodation due to poor campus hostels. More than 15 million higher education students in Nigeria are expected to mature into a dedicated asset class.” In an exclusive interview with The Punch, a real estate consultant, Ajekiigbe Josiah, said it was no secret that many school-owned hostels were outdated. He said, “It is no secret that many school-owned hostels are outdated, and even those that are recently built or renovated often fail to receive proper maintenance. While attention is often focused on administrative tasks such as room allocation or porter duties, little effort is placed on proper facility management. Without consistent upkeep, even new hostels can quickly deteriorate, compromising the quality of student life. “Poor facility management manifests in multiple ways. Sanitary areas such as toilets are often neglected, water supply can be unreliable, and overcrowding remains a persistent problem. In addition, inadequate security measures leave students vulnerable, creating an environment that is uncomfortable and unsafe. These conditions make it difficult for students to focus on their studies or feel at home on campus. As a result, many students increasingly seek private alternatives. Private hostel investors often provide superior services, prioritising cleanliness, security, and prompt maintenance. By addressing the very issues that plague school-owned hostels, these private options offer a more comfortable and reliable living experience, even if it comes at a higher cost. “This trend highlights a fundamental gap in the management of public student accommodation. Schools risk losing relevance in student housing unless they invest in proper facility management, regular maintenance, and security enhancements. Without such interventions, private hostels will continue to dominate, leaving school-owned hostels underutilised despite their potential advantages.” Corroborating the above, an estate surveyor, Olorunyomi Alatise, stated that the issue stems from poor maintenance, inadequate provision, and the limited capacity of campus hostels, which leave students with little choice but to seek alternative accommodations. He said, “It’s quite alarming that the accommodations provided on campus are often insufficient for students. Even when accommodations exist, many are poorly maintained and in a state unfit for comfortable living. I recall my own experience in school: I was assigned a room in one of the so-called “prestigious” hostels, not prestigious because it was comfortable or well-kept, but rather for its notoriety of neglect and decay. I couldn’t stay there and had no choice but to look for alternatives off-campus. “The problem is that as more students seek housing elsewhere, demand for off-campus accommodations rises, driving rents to exorbitant levels. I once conducted a valuation in Kwara State and observed this firsthand: properties located near schools command significantly higher rents, sometimes double, compared to similar properties farther away. “The root cause is clear: poor maintenance, inadequate provision, and insufficient capacity of campus hostels leave students with little choice but to seek alternatives. As a result, more than half of students end up living off-campus, often paying far more than they should. The lack of adequate, well-maintained campus housing has a direct impact on students’ financial burdens and overall well-being.” Meanwhile, an architect, Olusola Amusan, said students increasingly turn to off-campus or private hostels because limited campus spaces, overcrowding, hygiene concerns, and a desire for comfort, privacy, and better learning environments push them to seek more suitable alternatives despite higher costs. He said, “My recent discussion with Adeniyi Giwa and Esemjay Jonathan has made me realise some of the main reasons why students look for viable alternatives to living in hostels on campus. These reasons would vary based on personal preferences applicable to each student. This would range from availability of hostel accommodations, affordability, health & comfort and need for privacy. “The University of Lagos, for instance, makes use of a ballot system to provide hostel accommodations for students in their hostel on campus. Though the cost of securing such is subsidised and very affordable, the number of occupants in a room would be a minimum of eight persons, as many times, students take the liberty to squat with their friends in the same room from time to time, thereby resulting in overcrowding, pollution and poor hygiene. Moreover, these hostels often have a common toilet and bath for the rooms, thereby resulting in an unhygienic experience most time. These hostel accommodations can be as cheap as N65,000 per academic year. “There are some that see this situation as not conducive enough for their wards, and so they would rather go an extra mile of paying even more to secure better accommodation with the privately owned hostels on campus. These ones, though they can be expensive, guarantee a more decent living environment for the students. A room with its private toilet and bath, including a laundry spot, is designed exclusively for four students. In some cases, there is availability of social amenities like communal spaces, a good water supply, a well-landscaped environment, good security and free wifi for their welfare.

Nollywood Actress, Filmmaker And Fast-rising Adult-lifestyle Entrepreneur Seyi Hunter In A Recent Conversation With Potpourri Hunter Opens Up About Her Personal Life, Career Evolution, And The Philosophy Guiding Her Next Big Moves — And She Does So With A Characteristic Mix Of Humor, Honesty, And Audacity. For Many, Her Revelation May Be Surprising, But For Seyi Hunter, It Is Simply Her Truth: She Has Only Ever Dated Older Men — From Their Late 50s Up To Their 90s. “Some Young Women Truly Connect With Older Men Emotionally And Intellectually,” She Explains While Reacting To Conversations Sparked By The Regina Daniels–Ned Nwoko Dynamic. “Age Doesn’t Automatically Mean Issues. It Takes Maturity, Understanding And Shared Values To Make It Work.” Then She Adds, Unapologetically: “Personally, I’ve Only Dated Older Men. Men In Their 50s To 90s… I Haven’t Met Anyone Below 58.” It Is A Candid Confession, One That Reflects Both Her Personal Preference And Her Belief That Relationships Should Be Shaped By Compatibility, Not Public Opinion. While Hunter’s Personal Life Draws Attention, Her Work Life Is Just As Dynamic. Her Latest Achievement — The Release Of Her Pet Project On Prime TV — Is Something She Describes As “a Big Deal.” But The Actress Is Not Keeping Herself Confined To Traditional Nollywood Structures. She’s Diving Deeper Into A World She Calls “a Sprinkle Of Adventure.” From Curating Luxury Tours To Launching The SinfulFriday Walk-In Center, Her Expanding Brand Blends Tourism, Intimacy Education, And Unconventional Entertainment. The Center, She Says, Offers Sexual Counseling, “rub & Tug” Experiences, And Monthly Live Practical Sessions — All Part Of Her Mission To Create Safe Spaces For Adult Expression. “Basically, I’m Living Soft And Keeping Things Exciting,” She Says With A Laugh. On Body Enhancement: A Door-Opener, Not A Career Hunter Approaches The Subject Of Body Enhancement With A Mix Of Realism And Caution. She Acknowledges That In Nollywood And Entertainment At Large, Appearance Often Plays A Role In First Impressions. “Enhancement Can Turn Heads,” She Admits. “And Sometimes That’s The First Step To Getting Noticed. But Staying Relevant? That’s All About Presence, Talent, And Hard Work.” Though She Is Not Against Cosmetic Procedures, She Says It Isn’t Something She Would Personally Consider. “If It Makes You Feel Hotter And More Confident, Go For It. Just Remember: A Snatched Body Might Open Doors, But A Powerful Performance Keeps Them Open. For Me, It’s Not Worth Risking My Life.” Escaping Pressure — Literally Life In The Limelight Comes With Pressure, And Seyi Hunter Has Her Own Unique Way Of Staying Grounded: She Travels. “When The Pressure Gets Too Much, I Run Away,” She Says Matter-of-factly. Travel, For Her, Is Both Therapy And Inspiration — A Way To Shed Stress While Absorbing New Cultures, Food, And People. “Planning Escapes For People Becomes My Own Escape Too. It’s Like Therapy… With A Passport.” What’s Next? “It’s About To Get Legendary” With A Foot In Nollywood And Another In The Adult-entertainment And Lifestyle Space, Hunter Hints At Projects That Stretch Across Both Worlds. “Big Things Are Coming — On Screen, Off Screen, And Everywhere In Between,” She Teases. She Plans To Merge Her Creativity With Her Passion For Tourism And Adult Entertainment, Creating What She Calls “fresh Stories, Real Experiences, And Unforgettable Moments.” “I’m Just Getting Warmed Up,” She Says. “The Rest? It’s About To Get Legendary.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, boasted on Saturday that he is the most ranked Christian in government. He attributed his political rise to “the special grace of God,” urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in serving God regardless of their position in life. Akpabio spoke during the blessing and official opening of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, an event attended by top clerics and political leaders. His remarks were contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom. The Senate President said his journey from obscurity to the nation’s number three position was a testament to God’s favour. “As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially and graciously transformed and prepared me for the task ahead. I belong to all denominations, but I am lucky and happy to be a Catholic. Most people are in the church without knowing the power of the church. “If God can raise me from a nobody to be the President of the Senate and by extension, the number three citizen of this great country, He can do it for us all, just position and prepare yourself for His blessings,” he said. Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain committed to service in the house of God, noting that even the smallest contribution to church projects carries divine reward. “Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to the construction of a church building project and it is completed and put to use, know that God has accepted your contributions. “I am always excited to be part of the development of the church because nothing is too big for our God,” he added. The senate president also disclosed plans to unveil a new worship centre within the National Assembly complex in Abuja. “In the next few weeks, I will happily invite Nigerians from all walks of life to join us in commissioning a befitting place of worship for our God,” he announced. At the Uyo ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev John Ayah, commended the Senate President and his wife, Dr Unoma Akpabio, for their support to the church, including hosting Catholic bishops nationwide in Ikot Ekpene last September. He also urged Akpabio to ignore detractors. “You are important and that is why they talk about you. It is expected because of your position in today’s Nigeria,” the Bishop said. Akpabio’s testimony comes amid renewed attention on Senate unity following claims of attempted leadership plots. Two weeks ago, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, dismissed reports of moves to impeach the Akpabio, describing them as “unfounded” and capable of creating unnecessary tension. Bamidele’s rebuttal followed comments by former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, who disclosed that there had been past but unsuccessful efforts by some lawmakers to unseat Akpabio. He said such attempts failed after key senators intervened to maintain stability in the upper chamber. However, during plenary, Bamidele insisted there was no plan—past or present—to remove the Senate President, urging senators to prioritise legislative cohesion over political scheming.

President Bola Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after he sent the first batch of three names. Among them are former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmud Yakubu, an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri (Delta), and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others. “In two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors,” read a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In the statement titled, ‘Tinubu nominates 32 additional ambassadors,’ Onanuga noted, “There are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.” “Among the non-career ambassador designates are Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. “Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission. “Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Nkechi Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list,” the statement read. Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State. Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun). The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun). “The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. “All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate,” it read. Last week, Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation. “More nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon,” Onanuga revealed. Saturday’s development follows earlier reports by our correspondent that the ambassadorial list will be staggered across countries of importance to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday, said that the entire South-West region has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. The monarch stated this on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by THENEWSCREDIT. Oba Ogunwusi, who condemned the politicisation of the current challenges, said that the traditional institution would collaborate with political leaders to make Nigeria better for all. “God has brought our leader, the current President, President Bola Tinubu, to lead us. Traditional leaders are not talking about politics; we are talking about how to save our people and our race. “That is way beyond politics. So, for us, we have concluded; the entire South-West to pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu. “We need to support him to save Nigeria; it’s very important. You condemn this leader, you condemn that leader. So, which one are you going to use eventually? “All these politicians have been there from Day One. What have they done? Nigeria is bigger than them. It’s not their personal entitlement. It is not their heritage; it is the heritage of the people living here. “Why should they be bringing politics into security matters? Enough of this,” he added. The monarch also warned against sinking the nation because of politics, saying that Nigeria’s interest should be paramount.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged the Federal Government to stop apologizing and negotiating with terrorists. Obasanjo gave this charge on Friday at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival held in Jos, the state capital. His comment is coming against the backdrop of the escalating killings, abductions, and other attacks on several communities in the North in recent weeks. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that on November 21, a total of 315 students and 13 teachers were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The incident came after the terrorists kidnapped 24 schoolgirls at the Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on November 17. In the latest assault, bandits struck the Palaita community, Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting 24 people, including pregnant women, from a rice farm. About 20 persons were also abducted by bandits in Kano and Kwara between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The development comes barely 24 hours after 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Ikere, Kwara State, on November 18, were released after the Federal Government negotiated with their abductors. In the Tuesday attack, 10 persons, including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers, and children were reportedly seized in Isapa community, a few kilometres from Eruku, Kwara State. Obasanjo, while speaking at the event, expressed displeasure over the escalated insecurity. “Our government must stop apologizing and negotiating with terrorists. No matter what religion you belong to. No matter where you come from. No matter your profession, we Nigerians are being killed, and our government seems to be incapable of protecting us. “We are part of the world community. If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do for us,” he said

Retired senior military officers have dismissed claims that the Nigerian Army is planning to forcibly conscript citizens aged 18 and above, insisting that such action would be unconstitutional. The ex-military personnel emphasised that the Army lacked the authority to compel any Nigerian to enlist. Their reaction followed a viral post alleging that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, had threatened compulsory recruitment for youths who fail to voluntarily enlist. The Nigerian Army, through its Acting Director of Public Relations, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, denied the claim in a statement issued last Friday in Abuja. The Army said the post falsely suggested that the COAS planned to introduce forced conscription, describing the information as misleading and intended to cause panic among citizens. Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, former Deputy Director of Defence Administration at Defence Headquarters, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (retd.), said compulsory recruitment could not occur without legislative approval. He stated, “You are talking about the military trying to conscript youth into the military. It is not something that the military can do except it goes through the legislative arm. It is a constitutional requirement. It is not going to happen. “Also, technically, Nigeria is not at war. You can only be at war if it is so declared. If you are not at war, why do you want to conscript people into the army?” Olawunmi added that instead of contemplating forced enlistment, authorities should address internal issues affecting morale and motivation within the military. Similarly, retired army colonel Yomi Dare said the constitution does not permit the military to recruit anyone by force. He said, “The military cannot force anyone. This is a matter of the constitution. It will go before the National Assembly, and it will pass all the due processes, and it will become a law, then so be it. “It is high time that Nigeria sees the military as a service that everyone should be committed to. The military deserves some recognition and respect.”

The former President returned to Abuja on Thursday following his evacuation from Guinea-Bissau after a military coup. He landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after being airlifted from Guinea-Bissau in the wake of the takeover. He thanked the President of Ivory Coast and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria for sending planes to lift him from Bissau. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as part of a joint election observer mission deployed by the African Union, AU, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum to monitor the presidential and legislative elections. However, military authorities in the country on Wednesday declared that they had assumed full control. They also announced the suspension of all electoral activities and the immediate closure of national borders. Jonathan therefore found himself trapped in Guinea-Bissau following the announcement of the military takeover on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Jonathan said: “I’ve always been scared talking to the media, but in this particular case, I decided to speak to the media. First and foremost, thank Nigerians for the show of empathy, the encouragement while we’re in Bissau, and this so-called coup happened. “The information we got was that the whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious divides or political divides. “And I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth, to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu and the President of Ivory Coast. “Both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us, but somehow, Ivory Coast is closer to Guinea-Bissau, and there’s always some relationship between Francophone countries, and they were able to penetrate their system to get a landing permit before Nigeria did. “The Ivorian aircraft was already on its way to Bissau when we learned about the Nigerian aircraft about to depart, we asked them not to bother.”

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a seven-year-old girl, Alicia Olajumoke, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her minder in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. Details of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, were scanty as of the time of filing this report. However, it was gathered that the minder reportedly committed suicide after realizing the enormity of her actions. Sources said the house help went to the school of her employer’s daughter, picked her up, and took her home before carrying out the act. In a statement on Friday, the police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the toddler’s mother, Glory Joseph, reported the incident to the police. Iringe-Koko added that the seven-year-old girl died before reaching the hospital, where the minder, who also took her own life, was confirmed dead. She further stated that while the corpses of both victims have been deposited at the hospital, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) of the Police Command for a detailed probe. The statement read, “Today, 25th November 2025, one Glory Joseph, female, of No. 21 Okabia Street, Agip Estate, Rumueme, reported at the station that her daughter, Alicia Olajumoke, female, aged seven years, was stabbed to death at about 1400 hours by one Success, female, surname yet to be known. “She (Glory) further said that the suspect went to the school of the deceased, picked her up, took her home, and stabbed her to death. The suspect also inflicted a stab wound on her own throat. “The scene of the crime was visited, and photographs were taken. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. The suspect was also rushed to the same hospital and confirmed dead. “The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy. The case has been transferred to the SCID. Preliminary investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.” Cases of violent attacks on children by household staff are rare but not unprecedented in Nigeria, raising concerns about vetting and supervision of domestic workers. In one notable case, a domestic worker was sentenced to death by hanging in 2023 for killing an elderly employer and her daughter

The Oyo State Government has directed traders, artisans, motor dealers, and vendors occupying pedestrian walkways and roadside spaces to vacate the areas or face penalties. The warning was issued on Friday, by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) Chairman, Major Adesagba Adekoya (retd), at his office in secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. “Using walkways for business is illegal and creates traffic bottlenecks, accidents, and inconvenience for shoppers,” Adesagba said. He identified the University of Ibadan area, Samonda, Mokola, among others, as locations where illegal trading is prevalent. “Traders are required to relocate to designated market spaces immediately, especially during the festive period,” he said, warning that non-compliance would result in fines and court appearances. The state government commended OYRTMA’s efforts to improve road safety and public order, and reiterated its commitment to upgrading infrastructure and ensuring safe movement throughout the state.