UNIBEN Issues Disclaimer on Fraudulent Hostel Accommodation Platforms, Warns Students Against Scams
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has issued a disclaimer warning students, parents and guardians against fraudulent online platforms and unauthorised individuals allegedly collecting money from people seeking accommodation in the university's hostels.
In a notice dated Friday, October 9, 2026, the university management said it had received information about individuals operating unauthorised platforms and inviting students and their families to make payments to secure hostel accommodation of their choice.
The university stressed that it has not appointed any individual, agent, intermediary or unauthorised platform to collect money on its behalf for hostel allocation.
Management consequently urged students and the general public to disregard unofficial payment requests and use only the university's approved accommodation procedures.
The notice was signed by the Registrar, Bimpe Omoyiwola, FCPM. It also warned that individuals involved in accommodation-related fraud, impersonation, extortion or fraudulent representation could be referred to law-enforcement authorities for prosecution under applicable Nigerian laws.
The warning comes as students seek on-campus accommodation for the 2026/2027 academic session. The university is therefore advising applicants to exercise caution, verify accommodation information and avoid anyone claiming to have special connections that can guarantee a bed space.
UNIBEN Says It Has Not Authorised Third-Party Hostel Agents
One of the central points in the disclaimer is the university's denial that it has authorised third parties to collect accommodation payments.
According to the notice, no individual, agent, intermediary or unauthorised platform has been appointed or engaged by UNIBEN to receive money from students, parents, guardians or members of the public for hostel allocation.
This means students should be wary of websites, social media accounts, messaging groups and private individuals claiming to offer guaranteed access to university accommodation in exchange for payment outside the approved system.
Some fraudulent operators may present themselves as university insiders or claim to have direct access to hostel administrators. Others may promise to secure a preferred hall or bed space if a student pays immediately.
The university has specifically cautioned against patronising self-styled agents and intermediaries who make promises based on supposed connections or influence within the institution.
Students should understand that a convincing-looking website, an official-looking logo or a claim of personal access to university staff does not establish that a platform is authorised.
Before making any payment, applicants should independently verify the relevant instructions through the university's official channels.
All Hostel Accommodation Requests Must Go Through the Official Process
UNIBEN management stated that all requests for university hostel accommodation are processed through a transparent procedure using the institution's official portal.
The university's Student Affairs Division explains that accommodation is available to eligible registered students, subject to the applicable requirements and allocation arrangements. Its published accommodation policy also states that allocation is based on students who are registered and cleared for the academic session.
Students can consult the official UNIBEN Student Affairs Division website for information about accommodation policies and the office responsible for student welfare.
The university also provides an official hostel information page.
Applicants should distinguish between reading information about hostel accommodation and completing an actual application. They should follow the current instructions issued for the relevant academic session rather than relying on old links, previous payment procedures or information circulated by unofficial accounts.
Where there is uncertainty about a payment channel, hostel allocation or a particular accommodation offer, the safest option is to seek clarification from the Office of the Dean, Students' Affairs Division.
The university has specifically identified this office as the appropriate source for information and clarification concerning hostel accommodation.
Students Warned Against Making Payments to Personal Accounts
The disclaimer contains a clear instruction: students should not make payments to individuals, platforms or accounts outside the university's officially prescribed payment channel.
This warning is important because accommodation scams can involve requests for bank transfers to personal accounts, urgent payments through messaging applications or deposits intended to reserve a supposedly available bed space.
Students and their families should not transfer money simply because an agent claims that a hostel allocation is about to close or that a bed space will be given to another applicant unless payment is made immediately.
Before paying, applicants should verify the official procedure, the payment destination and the requirements for completing an allocation.
They should also retain receipts and relevant transaction records for legitimate payments made through the prescribed channel.
If someone asks for payment through an account that cannot be verified as an approved university channel, the applicant should pause the transaction and contact the appropriate university office.
The management has warned that the university will not accept responsibility for financial losses, inconvenience or other consequences arising from dealings with unauthorised persons or platforms claiming to act on its behalf.
That warning makes independent verification particularly important for parents and guardians who may be making payments on behalf of their children.
No Guarantee of a Hostel Bed Space Through Personal Connections
UNIBEN has also cautioned students against accommodation racketeers who promise to secure hostel spaces through supposed connections or influence within the university.
Such claims may be designed to persuade applicants to bypass the official allocation process. A person may claim to have reserved a room, know a hostel official or be able to guarantee a preferred hall if a fee is paid in advance.
Students should not treat these assurances as proof that a bed space has been officially allocated.
The university's published accommodation policy states that admission does not automatically guarantee a place in its halls of residence. Accommodation is subject to the institution's rules and allocation arrangements.
Applicants should therefore avoid paying anyone who claims to guarantee accommodation outside the approved system.
They should also be cautious about offers to purchase, transfer or privately resell allocated bed spaces. The university's accommodation policy prohibits the transfer or sale of allocated accommodation from one student to another.
A legitimate allocation should be confirmed through the prescribed university process, not merely through a message, payment receipt issued by a private individual or an informal promise.
What Students Should Do Before Paying for Hostel Accommodation
Students preparing to secure accommodation for the 2026/2027 session can take several practical steps to reduce their exposure to fraud.
1. Use official university channels
Start with the university's official websites and follow the latest accommodation instructions issued for the current session.
For guidance, students can visit the Student Affairs Division website and consult the relevant accommodation information.
2. Verify the payment channel
Do not make transfers to personal bank accounts or payment destinations supplied by an unverified agent.
Check the current official instructions and confirm the correct payment procedure before proceeding.
3. Be cautious of guaranteed allocations
Treat claims that a preferred hostel or bed space can be secured through special connections with suspicion.
The university's allocation process and eligibility requirements remain important, regardless of what an unofficial agent promises.
4. Avoid urgent or pressured transactions
Fraudulent operators may try to create a sense of urgency by claiming that a bed space will disappear within minutes.
Do not let pressure prevent you from verifying the offer. Contact the appropriate university office before making a payment you cannot independently confirm.
5. Keep records of legitimate transactions
Where payment is made through an approved channel, retain the receipt, confirmation details and any official allocation notification.
These records may be useful if a transaction or allocation needs to be verified later.
6. Report suspected fraud
Students who encounter suspicious accommodation offers should report them through the appropriate university authorities.
Where money has already been transferred, they should preserve transaction evidence and consider promptly contacting their financial institution and the relevant law-enforcement authorities.
UNIBEN Threatens Action Against Accommodation Fraudsters
The university has directed individuals involved in unauthorised accommodation activities to stop immediately.
Management warned that anyone found engaging in accommodation-related fraud, impersonation, extortion or fraudulent representation could be referred to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities for prosecution.
The warning extends to conduct capable of bringing the university's name into disrepute.
The statement signals that the institution does not recognise private arrangements made by unauthorised operators as official hostel allocations.
Students should therefore avoid participating in schemes that involve paying an agent to bypass the university's procedures, even if the person claims to be acting on behalf of a staff member.
Anyone who suspects that a website or social media account is impersonating UNIBEN should avoid sending money or sharing sensitive personal information until the university has clarified its status.
What Parents and Guardians Need to Know
The disclaimer is addressed not only to students but also to parents, guardians and members of the general public.
Families may be especially vulnerable to accommodation fraud when they are trying to arrange housing before a student travels to Benin City or resumes academic activities.
Parents and guardians should independently confirm accommodation instructions rather than relying entirely on screenshots, forwarded messages or claims made by an intermediary.
They should ask their children to verify the allocation through official university channels and ensure that payments are made only through the prescribed system.
Where an accommodation offer appears suspicious, families should contact the Students' Affairs Division before transferring money.
It is also important to remember that admission to UNIBEN does not automatically entitle a student to on-campus accommodation. Applicants should make appropriate plans based on confirmed allocation information and the university's published policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has UNIBEN issued a disclaimer about fraudulent hostel accommodation platforms?
Yes. In a notice dated October 9, 2026, the university warned students, parents and guardians about unauthorised platforms and individuals allegedly collecting money for hostel accommodation.
Has UNIBEN authorised private agents to collect hostel accommodation payments?
No. The university says it has not appointed any individual, agent, intermediary or unauthorised platform to collect money on its behalf for hostel allocation.
Where should students obtain official hostel accommodation information?
Students should consult the university's official Student Affairs Division website and seek clarification from the Office of the Dean, Students' Affairs Division.
Can someone guarantee a hostel bed space through personal connections?
Students should not rely on such promises. UNIBEN has specifically warned against agents who claim they can secure accommodation through supposed connections or influence.
Will UNIBEN refund money paid to an unauthorised agent?
The disclaimer states that the university will not accept responsibility for financial losses arising from dealings with unauthorised persons or platforms. Anyone affected should preserve transaction evidence, contact their financial institution promptly and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
What should a student do after encountering a suspicious accommodation platform?
Avoid making payment, verify the offer with the university and report suspected fraud through the appropriate university channels. If money has already been sent, retain all transaction records and seek assistance promptly.
Conclusion
The University of Benin has warned students, parents and guardians to beware of fraudulent hostel accommodation platforms and unauthorised individuals seeking payments for bed-space allocation.
The management has made it clear that all accommodation requests must follow the university's official process and that no private agent or intermediary has been authorised to collect hostel payments on its behalf.
With students arranging accommodation for the new academic session, applicants should verify all information, avoid unofficial payment requests and consult the Students' Affairs Division whenever they are uncertain.
The safest approach is to rely on official university instructions, make payments only through the prescribed channels and report suspicious offers before they result in financial loss.
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