In the quest for knowledge and academic excellence, students often find themselves wondering about the place they’ll call home during their stay at the university. If you’re one of the aspiring candidates eyeing the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), you’ve likely been curious about what its hostels look like. Well, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll satisfy your curiosity as we delve into UNN hostel pictures. We understand that getting a glimpse of your potential campus residence can be both exciting and comforting, and that’s precisely why we’ve put together this visual tour. But our exploration doesn’t stop there.
While our primary focus is to provide you with a sneak peek into UNN’s hostels, we’ll also take a moment to touch on other essential aspects of this renowned institution. From a brief historical overview to the names of the hostels and even a glimpse at accommodation prices, we’ve got you covered.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a virtual journey through UNN’s hostel life and gather valuable insights into this academic haven, let’s dive right in!
University of Nigeria (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, fondly known as UNN, stands as a prestigious federal institution nestled in Nsukka, Enugu State, within the eastern region of Nigeria. Formally inaugurated on October 7, 1960, UNN boasts three campuses in Enugu State – Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla—along with the Aba campus in Abia State.
UNN holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first full-fledged indigenous and autonomous university, following the American educational system as its model. It earned the honor of being Africa’s inaugural land-grant university and stands as one of Nigeria’s top five renowned educational institutions. Comprising 15 faculties and housing 102 academic departments, UNN offers an impressive array of educational opportunities, including 108 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programs.
In commemoration of its illustrious history, the university celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2010. An eagerly anticipated 60th-anniversary celebration was planned for October 2020, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans.
History
The University of Nigeria (UNN) has a historical journey that began with the passage of a significant law on May 18, 1955. This pivotal moment marked the formal commencement of UNN’s history, driven by the enactment of legislation supported by several Nigerian leaders, notably Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the then Premier of the Eastern Region.
To bring their vision to life, the Eastern Nigerian government reached out to both the United States of America and the United Kingdom for guidance on the physical and educational aspects of the proposed university. In 1958, a distinguished team comprising J.W. Cook, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Dr. John A. Hannah, President of Michigan State University, and Dr. Glen L. Taggart, Dean of International Programs at the same university, journeyed to Nigeria. Their mission included surveying the Nsukka site and conducting extensive research to lay the foundation for the new university.
The outcomes of their diligent efforts were encapsulated in a white paper issued by the Eastern Nigerian government on November 30, 1958. This document endorses the creation of the University of Nigeria, emphasizing its commitment to address Nigeria’s problems and needs through education.
Subsequently, a provisional council was established, receiving authorization from the Eastern Nigeria Legislature. Appointed in April 1959, this council held the financial and administrative authority to build a robust university. Comprising esteemed individuals from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, it reflected the spirit of international cooperation that birthed the institution.
On October 7, 1960, the University of Nigeria was officially opened during the Nigerian independence celebrations in the Eastern Region. The opening ceremonies, graced by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra of Kent, included the laying of the university’s foundation stone.
Classes commenced on October 17, 1960, with an initial enrollment of 220 students and 13 academic staff members. The opening convocation speeches were delivered by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and John A. Hannah, reinforcing the institution’s significance.
UNN became Nigeria’s first fully autonomous university, granting its degrees and distinguishing itself as the pioneer of such institutions in the country. While the University College Ibadan eventually followed suit in 1963, UNN had already produced its first sets of graduates and garnered recognition as Nigeria’s first autonomous university.
UNN Hostel Pictures
The University of Nigeria (UNN) boasts a variety of hostels, each with its own distinctive name, including Aja Nwachukwu Hall, Eyo Ita, Akintola and Akpabio, Nkruma, Isa Kaita, Okeke, Zik Flat, Mary Slessor, Alvan Ikoku (Eni Njoku), Mbanefo, Hilltop, Awolowo, and others. Additionally, some hostels are located on the Enugu Campus, such as Adelabu, Ibiam, and New Hostel.
For first-year medical students, UNN offers specific hostel accommodations. These students belong to faculties related to medical sciences, dentistry, health sciences, and basic medical sciences. In their first year, female medical students are accommodated in the Presidential Hostel, while male medical students are assigned to the Alvan Ikoku Hostel.
Alvan Ikoku Hostel on the Nsukka Campus is a three-story building, with each floor referred to as a series. The ground floor is known as the 100 series, the second floor as the 200 series, and so forth. Inside the rooms, you’ll find essentials like a wardrobe, chair, and table. The number of legal occupants varies depending on the room, with some rooms having four, five, or six bed spaces. However, it’s common for the actual number of students in a room to exceed the legal limit, sometimes accommodating up to nine students.
One drawback of the Alvan Ikoku Hostel is the sanitary conditions, particularly in the toilets and bathrooms, which can deteriorate when cleaners go on strike. The hostel may also experience occasional challenges like electrical blackouts and water scarcity, but these typically resolve within 48 hours.
Regarding UNN hostel fees, they range from N20,000 to N25,000. Despite the age of the hostels, students continue to reside in them satisfactorily, making the most of their accommodations.
Students who prefer not to stay in UNN hostels have the option to rent off-campus accommodations. These private hostels offer a range of room types at varying prices. For instance, a big single room could cost between N80,000 and N70,000, while a normal single room may be priced between N70,000 and N50,000. The cost depends on the quality and amenities provided. Small single rooms are available in the range of N50,000 to N35,000, and self-contained units come with a broader price range, varying from N230,000 to N150,000. The price differences can be attributed to factors such as proximity to the school gate and the availability of water.
Opting for private hostels outside the university campus offers certain advantages. These accommodations provide more privacy and flexibility, allowing students to enjoy a greater degree of freedom compared to university hostels, which often come with certain restrictions.
To secure clearance for UNN hostel accommodations, students need to fulfill specific requirements. These include having two bed sheets, one rubber or Macintosh bedsheet, a passport photograph, a letter of attestation, receipts for hostel and school fees, hostel online documents, and personal information or bio data. Additionally, students are expected to pay a hostel clearance fee to complete the process. These measures ensure that students are prepared and meet the necessary criteria for hostel accommodations at UNN.