Prof. Julius Okojie, the outgoing Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), has decried the hostile attitude of university host communities to students who live off-campus.

Okojie made the condemnation at a valedictory session with staff of the commission on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Okojie assumed office as the executive secretary of NUC on Aug. 3, 2006 and served two terms of five years each.

The outgoing executive secretary will officially handover on Aug. 1

According to him, the inadequacy of hostel accommodation in public universities exposes students to hazards of living outside the campuses.

”The community outside is not ready to receive the students; some of them are hostile.

”In private universities, most of the students live in the hostels and are better monitored.

”When I came on board, there were no fewer than 10 private universities in the country, but today we have 62,” he said.

Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, who spoke, extolled Okojie’s qualities as an administrator.

He said that Okojie distinguished himself in national service as he contributed immensely in expanding access to university education and improved quality.

On her part, Mr Bukola Olatunji, Chief Information Officer, NUC, said that Okojie was a passionate leader who impacted on lives on the staff of the commission.

She prayed God to grant him the vigour and more healthy years ahead.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award to Okojie by the West African Students Union. (NAN)