Education Minister proposes 5–10% annual rent increase cap for public universities

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has proposed the establishment of a committee to recommend permissible annual rent increases in public universities amid concerns over high accommodation costs across the country’s tertiary institutions.

The proposed committee would advise Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on the percentage by which accommodation charges in public universities could reasonably increase each year under the Fees and Charges Act.

Mr Iddrisu said a clearly defined adjustment mechanism would help regulate rent increases and ensure that changes reflect prevailing economic conditions, including inflation, rather than arbitrary or excessive hikes.

Speaking in a media interview, the Education Minister said the committee should make recommendations to the Finance Minister before annual adjustments to fees and charges are implemented.

“We do not support exorbitant rent prices being charged across the country. It is my view that we should constitute a committee to advise the Minister of Finance before he proceeds with the Fees and Charges Act on what percentage increase is permissible each year. We can say, for instance, take inflation as a guide, 5 to 10 percent increase annually.”

The proposal could pave the way for a more predictable framework for adjusting accommodation charges in public universities, with annual increases guided by an agreed benchmark.

Mr Iddrisu said such an approach would help ensure that rent adjustments remain reasonable while addressing concerns about the cost of student accommodation.