The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), through its Counselling Unit, organised a seminar for private hostel owners, managers and caretakers on Wednesday, 16th July 2026, at Lecture Hall 3C on the University campus, to strengthen collaboration in promoting student welfare, safety and responsible hostel management.
Chairing the programme, the Dean of Students, Professor Paul Domanban Bata, observed that while the University is able to directly supervise students living in university-owned hostel facilities, its ability to monitor students in private hostels remains limited. He therefore emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the University and private hostel operators in safeguarding student welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kanton Osmanu Issaka, acknowledged the critical role private hostel operators play in supporting the University’s student population, noting that although the University continues to explore opportunities to expand on-campus accommodation, private hostels remain indispensable to the University’s accommodation ecosystem.
The Vice-Dean of Students, Professor Joseph Kwame Wulifan, stressed the importance of creating safe and ethical hostel environments capable of supporting students’ academic and personal development. He encouraged hostel operators to treat students fairly and respectfully and to report unusual behavioural patterns to the appropriate University authorities for intervention.
Prof. Wulifan noted that while hostel operators are not disciplinary bodies, they can play a crucial role in safeguarding student welfare through early identification and reporting of potentially harmful behaviours.
The University Counsellor, Mr. Iddrissu Ayamba, urged hostel operators to remain vigilant and report early signs of risky behaviour among students to facilitate timely intervention and support. He identified issues such as drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, violence, gambling and other forms of risky behaviour as growing concerns requiring collaboration between the University and private accommodation providers. Mr. Ayamba further encouraged hostel managers to adopt what he termed a Recognise, Respond and Refer approach when dealing with students exhibiting troubling behavioural patterns.
Speaking on peer influence and social media exposure, the Senior Hall Tutor of Jubilee Hall, Dr. Godwin W. Achana, highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms and peer networks on students’ attitudes and behaviours.
While acknowledging the positive role of peer influence in promoting teamwork and leadership development, he cautioned that negative peer pressure could contribute to indiscipline, substance abuse and poor academic performance. He therefore encouraged hostel managers to promote positive peer relationships and educate students on the responsible use of social media.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns relating to students’ privacy, behavioural management and compliance with hostel rules and regulations. Discussions also focused on curfew enforcement and the responsibilities of hostel operators in managing students who fail to comply with agreed regulations.
Responding to the concerns, the Dean of Students, Professor Paul Domanban Bata advised hostel operators to ensure that students are made aware of hostel rules and the consequences of non-compliance, while encouraging the fair and consistent application of regulations to promote discipline and peaceful coexistence within hostel communities.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the University to ensure the safety, welfare and holistic development of students living in private hostels.
Bringing the programme to a close, the Chairman reiterated that student welfare remains a shared responsibility between the University and private accommodation providers and called for sustained collaboration to create safe, secure and supportive environments that enable students to thrive academically and socially.