Assessing the state of university hostel accommodation: Challenges, implications, and the way forward

University hostel accommodation is a crucial issue in students' academically journey promoting their mental wellness. This study examined the challenges, potential solutions and implications, as they relate to hostel accommodation in Sub-Saharan African universities. The study used a descriptive survey research design with data collected from a sample of 120 students in selected federal universities through random sampling. Findings of the study indicated that students who live in on-campus accommodation experience overcrowding, poor sanitation, poor security, and substandard maintenance, thus having negative impact on mental health and academic performance. This is in contrast to the experiences of students living off-campus in terms of reported academic performance, study habits, and satisfaction with living conditions. The study highlighted the urgent need for school administrators to improve the hostel infrastructure, implement good maintenance strategies, and build essential amenities for a conducive learning environment. Addressing these will bring about enhanced students’ academic health and overall university experience.