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A Roof Over Their Heads: The Housing Struggles of DELSU Students

Published

4 weeks ago

June 27, 2026

BY FRANCISCA UNUTAME

For many students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, gaining admission into the institution is a dream come true. However, beyond the excitement of academic pursuits lies a major challenge that many students must confront: securing decent accommodation.

The search for housing in Abraka has become a frustrating experience for many students who are forced to navigate high rental costs, dishonest agents, poor living conditions, and the stress of balancing accommodation searches with academic responsibilities.

For Eneh Amarachi, a 100-level Sociology student, finding a place to live was anything but easy. What began as a hopeful search for a comfortable apartment quickly turned into weeks of disappointment and frustration. “It wasn’t easy at all,” she recalled. “I had to miss classes just to search for a house because what agents advertise is often different from what you eventually get.”

According to Amarachi, transportation expenses and consultation fees added to the burden. She explained that some agents charged consultation fees of up to ₦8,000, excluding transportation costs incurred while inspecting properties. Her experience reflects a common complaint among students in the university community. Many arrive with expectations shaped by attractive online videos and photographs, only to discover that the actual apartments fall far below what was advertised.

Eventually, Amarachi settled for an apartment that was not the exact one she had been shown. Although it was within the same compound, the room differed significantly from what she had expected.

“The apartment I got was not the one in the video. I was told the previous tenant had just moved out, and I had little choice but to accept it,” she said.

The challenges did not end there. Upon moving in, she discovered several issues that required immediate attention. She had to spend additional money repainting parts of the apartment, repairing damaged walls, fixing sections of the ceiling, and renovating the kitchen cabinet.

Despite these setbacks, Amarachi remains optimistic. She noted that living off campus allows her greater freedom to manage her side businesses as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and chef while pursuing her studies.

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A similar story was shared by Eljim Elijah, a 200-level Fine and Applied Arts student, who described the housing search process as stressful and misleading. According to Elijah, one of the most frustrating aspects of searching for accommodation is dealing with agents who exaggerate the quality of available apartments. “Most agents post attractive videos online, but when you get there physically, the reality is completely different,” he said.

He lamented the widespread practice of charging consultation fees before students are allowed to inspect properties. In many cases, students pay these fees only to discover that the houses do not meet basic standards. “The consultation fees are often wasted because the houses we are shown are usually not worth the money,” Elijah explained.

Beyond the financial burden, Elijah highlighted other factors students must consider before renting a house, including water supply, electricity, security, waste disposal, and proximity to campus. These factors, he noted, significantly affect students’ comfort and academic performance.

For Mary, a 400-Level student of the Department of English Education, securing a place to stay in Abraka was one of the most difficult experiences she faced as a fresher. Coming all the way from Lagos, Mary arrived in Abraka with little knowledge of the town and no one to assist her in her search for accommodation.

Determined to settle down before academic activities began, she made the decision to resume earlier than most students. “I had to resume school before the official resumption date so that I could balance my house search with my studies,” she recalled.

According to her, several people advised her to arrive before other students resumed. They believed that getting accommodation would be easier before the influx of students into the town. Looking back, Mary admits that the advice proved valuable.

The search, however, was far from easy. Like many freshers unfamiliar with Abraka, she relied on agents to help her secure accommodation. Unfortunately, her first experience was disappointing. “The first agent kept taking me to houses that were far from the school and not really nice,” she explained.

Hoping for better results, Mary sought the services of another agent. However, the second agent’s efforts were not much different from the first. Despite the setbacks, she remained persistent and eventually found a house within two weeks of searching. While securing accommodation brought relief, another challenge soon emerged. The house that seemed suitable at first turned out to have a major problem lack of electricity. “I was told that the area had a steady power supply, but throughout the two years I lived there, there was no electricity,” she said. The situation made daily living difficult, affecting comfort and convenience. What was expected to be a conducive living environment became a source of frustration.

Today, Mary no longer lives in the house, but her experience highlights the realities many students face when searching for accommodation in university communities. Her story serves as a reminder that beyond the challenge of finding a house, students often have to contend with issues such as unreliable utilities, misleading information, and the stress of adapting to a new environment.

For fresher’s arriving in Abraka, Mary’s journey underscores the importance of early preparation, patience, and proper investigation before securing accommodation.Both students agreed that transportation remains another major challenge. Students who live far from campus often struggle to attend lectures regularly due to transportation costs and long commuting distances. Their experiences reveal a broader issue affecting many DELSU students. While off-campus accommodation offers freedom and privacy, the process of securing suitable housing is often marked by uncertainty, financial strain, and emotional stress.

As the student population continues to grow, many believe that greater regulation of house agents and improved access to affordable, student-friendly accommodation are necessary to ease the burden on students. Until then, many undergraduates in Abraka will continue to face the difficult task of finding a place they can truly call home while pursuing their academic goals.

The Author, Francisca Unutame is a 200 level journalism and media studies student of Delta State University Abraka.

Entertainment

Domineering Spain Edge Argentina 1-0 In Extra Time To Clinch 2026 World Championship

Published

2 days ago

July 19, 2026

Media Conversation

Spain are world champions again after Ferran Torres scored a late winner in extra time to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

The victory at MetLife Stadium, in front of 80,663 fans, gives La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.

Argentina, bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back titles, were reduced to 10 men late in regulation.

After 90 minutes ended goalless, the match turned in the closing minutes of normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

With the numerical advantage, Spain broke through late in extra time.

Ferran Torres slammed home to put Spain ahead with minutes remaining, sealing a 1-0 win and sparking wild celebrations from the Spanish bench.

Spain reached the final with a composed 2-0 semi-final victory over France in Dallas, extending a run that has seen them concede just one goal all tournament.

Argentina advanced with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals in the 85th and 91st minutes.

The final marked the first ever World Cup decider between the reigning world champions and the current European champions, and pitted the tournament’s top-ranked teams.

It also featured a generational duel between 39-year-old Messi, who finished with 8 goals in the tournament, and 19-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Spain are now two-time world champions after winning in 2010. The Spanish women are also reigning world champions, having beaten England in 2023.

Argentina, champions in 1978, 1986 and 2022, fall just short in their bid for a fourth title. Messi was chasing a second straight World Cup after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar.

The match was played at New York New Jersey Stadium, home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets, and was broadcast live on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish in the U.S.

The final also featured FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

With the 2026 tournament, the first expanded to 48 teams, concluding in New Jersey, Spain leave as champions — and Argentina as runners-up in a final that lived up to its billing as a clash of Europe vs South America.

Abraka Metro

Lecturers, Students Defy Heavy Downpour As DELSU Holds Epic Photojournalism Festival

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Olayinka Austin

Students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, today, participated in a Photojournalism Festival designed to strengthen their practical understanding of photojournalism through hands-on field experience.

The festival, which commenced at approximately 1:15 p.m. after persistent rainfall delayed the programme, brought together students, lecturers, and faculty executives for a day of practical learning, creativity, and entertainment.

The exercise was organised to prepare students for the practical component of the Photojournalism course.

Students from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, the Department of Broadcasting and Media Studies, and the Department of Mass Communication embarked on a field exercise across the Abraka metropolis, scouting businesses and capturing photographs that documented commercial activities and reflected the town’s economic landscape through a photojournalistic lens.

The event was graced by faculty executives and distinguished lecturers from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, who commended the initiative and encouraged students to approach practical journalism with professionalism and creativity.

Beyond the field exercise, the festival featured a variety of entertaining activities, including a fashion parade, dance competition, music, and refreshments, creating a lively atmosphere for students and guests.

Awards were also presented to students whose photojournalism projects stood out for excellence, creativity, and originality.

A major highlight of the festival was the assessment and grading of students’ works by the course lecturer, Prof. Oscar Odiboh, alongside faculty executives, who critically examined each submission based on its news value, creativity, composition, storytelling, and overall photojournalistic quality before selecting the best entries for recognition.

Addressing the students, Prof. Odiboh stressed that participation in the festival is a compulsory requirement for the course, warning that failure to take part would result in failure of the practical component.

He urged students to take the exercise seriously, describing practical fieldwork as an essential aspect of professional journalism training.

The event successfully combined academic learning with entertainment, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, healthy competition, and creativity among students.

Participants expressed excitement over the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while interacting with business owners and residents across Abraka.

The Photojournalism Festival concluded with students celebrating their achievements and sharing experiences from the field, reinforcing the faculty’s commitment to experiential learning and professional development in media education.

The day’s activities left participants with valuable practical experience and unforgettable memories of learning, teamwork, music, and celebration, proving that even a heavy downpour could not dampen the enthusiasm and creativity of the students.

Abraka Metro

Thousands Gather In Abraka To Pray For DELSU, Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

July 17, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Anthonia Okposo

Thousands of students, academic staff, non-academic staff, and residents of Abraka gathered at the Indoor Sports Hall of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, for the DELSU Day of Prayer, a special intercessory programme dedicated to the peace, progress, and academic success of the university, as well as the unity and development of Nigeria.

The large prayer gathering was organized by Believers’ Loveworld (Christ Embassy) in collaboration with the university administration, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, and the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The programme was led by Pastor Eddy Obagbe, Resident Pastor of Believers’ Loveworld (BLW), Abraka Group.

Delivering the sermon, Pastor Obagbe emphasized the importance of prayer in both personal and national development, urging young Nigerians to build their lives on faith, discipline, and constant communion with God.

“Prayer is not merely a religious ritual; it is one of the fundamental ways through which believers align themselves with God’s purpose.

“As young people, we must remain steadfast in prayer for our families, our university, and our nation.

“Through prayer, we receive wisdom, strength, and direction to overcome life’s challenges.”

He encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits while upholding moral values, integrity, and peaceful coexistence within the university community.

Throughout the programme, participants offered prayers for the continued peace and stability of Delta State University, the success of students in their academic endeavours, the well-being of lecturers and university management, and God’s guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.

Special prayer sessions were also held for national unity, economic recovery, security, and lasting peace across the country.

The atmosphere was marked by passionate worship, thanksgiving, and intercessory prayers, with participants expressing hope for a brighter future for both the university and the nation.

Several attendees described the event as spiritually uplifting and timely.

A student who participated in the programme said the gathering served as a reminder that success in academics requires not only hard work but also faith and perseverance.

“It was inspiring to see thousands of students praying together for the university and the country. The programme encouraged me to remain hopeful despite the challenges facing Nigeria.”

Another participant noted that the event strengthened unity among students from different faculties, backgrounds, and denominations, demonstrating the shared desire for peace and progress.

Organisers explained that the Day of Prayer was intended to foster spiritual growth, encourage moral living, and promote a culture of peace within the university community.

They emphasised that beyond academic excellence, students should cultivate values such as honesty, discipline, compassion, and service to humanity, which contribute to building a more responsible and peaceful society.

The DELSU Day of Prayer brought together thousands of students, staff, and residents in a collective expression of faith and hope for the future of Delta State University and Nigeria.

As participants departed the Indoor Sports Hall, many expressed renewed optimism that through unity, prayer, and responsible leadership, the university community would continue to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

The event also reaffirmed the belief that faith-based initiatives remain an important platform for promoting peace, moral values, and national development.