University of Calabar Off-Campus Students’ Population Growth and Accommodation Quality on the Cost of Housing in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of the University of Calabar off-campus students’ population growth and quality of accommodation on the cost of housing in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Data for this study were collected through secondary and primary sources. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were adopted and a sample size of 420 respondents was selected for the study. The study revealed that over the years, the student population of the University has been on the increase, and that accommodation is provided for only students, leaving the majority to source for off campus accommodations. Also, the off campus student population residing around the university environs put pressure on the available housing facilities, and thus responsible for the high cost of accommodation in the study area.Finally, it was recommended amongst others that the University authority should partner with commercial banks, other organizations, and individuals, to provide quality and affordable accommodation services at a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scale, while ensuring that all students reside within the confines of the University.