FACT CHECK: Engelbert Beyer Hostel Residents Confirm Pricing and Duration of Broken Fence

On the 20th of May, 2026, the UIMSA Press published an editorial titled ‘The Illusion of Comfort In UI Private Hostels’ following incessant complaints from residents of various private hostels in UI, particularly noting that they aren’t getting the worth of the money paid. Since that aforementioned date, the editorial has sparked reactions and a response from the management of Engelbert Beyer Catholic Hostel.

Claim: (1) The approved hostel fee payable by students is ₦380,000 and not ₦450,000 as inaccurately reported in the initial publication, (2) The publication created the impression that the management failed in its responsibilities regarding electricity supply within the hostel, and (3) The collapse of the hostel fence incident occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a weekend period… and was repaired and restored on the Saturday, May 16, 2026, which is approximately 24 hours of the incident.

Verdict: (1) Residents of Engelbert Beyer hostel currently pay ₦380,000 for hostel fee and ₦60,000 for light bill (albeit not to the hostel management’s account) which is ₦440,000 in total. Some residents paid ₦70,000 which made their total ₦450,000. (2) The publication documented the incessant blackouts that residents have been facing and acknowledged the existence of a major fault that is reported to cost ₦26 million for a permanent fix. (3) The collapse happened on May 14, 2026, around 4 PM and repair started on May 16, 2026, around noon.

Verification

Below is an evidence of the payment package as explained by the hostel manager.

Below is an evidence of the timestamp showing the first notice of the collapse on Thursday evening and a reminder on Saturday morning.

Below is also a video evidence of the video taken on Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, as shown in the picture above.

Conclusion

The information as published in the editorial was verified and factual, as opposed to the claims of the management. Some reports implied that there were delays in getting the fence done which already contradicts the claim that the fence was attended to in 24 hours. The editorial did not question the hours of light promised to the residents as highlighted in the code of conduct, nor did it imply that the management take responsibility for public power supply challenges. The accommodation fee was always paid as a full package until recently when it was separated into hostel fee and light bill. While it is correct that only ₦380,000 is paid to the management’s account, the residents pay extra ₦60,000/₦70,000 for light bill, which makes the cumulative either ₦440,000 or ₦450,000.

To be clear, the UIMSA Press will never publish unverified statements.