The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, has approved a two-week extension of hostel accommodation for SIWES students and final year students, ahead of the planned lockdown of university hostels.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated September 24, 2026, addressed to the Deans of Schools, with the subject "Vacation from Hostel Accommodation for SIWES and Final Year Students."

FUTO Student Affairs memo on hostel vacation for SIWES and final year students

What the Memo Says

According to the memorandum, students residing in the university hostels are permitted to remain in the hostels for a duration of two (2) weeks only, effective from 1st – 14th October, 2026.

Specifically, the extension applies to:

  • SIWES students of 200/300 Levels, and
  • Final year students.

These categories of students are permitted to remain in the hostels for the two-week period to enable them complete their SIWES programme and final year academic activities, before the hostels are eventually locked down.

Deans Directed to Disseminate Information

The memo further directed Deans of Schools to disseminate the information to affected students within their respective schools and to ensure strict compliance with the arrangement as stated.

This means students falling under the affected categories are expected to be duly informed by their schools regarding the hostel extension and its conditions.

Hostels to Be Locked After the Deadline

The memo made it clear that hostels will be locked after the two-week deadline (1st – 14th October, 2026), to allow the University Management carry out repairs and maintenance work ahead of the new 2026/2027 academic session.

This implies that all affected students are expected to have vacated the hostels by the end of the stipulated period, as no further extension appears to be indicated in the memo.

What Affected Students Should Do

SIWES students (200/300 Levels) and final year students currently residing in the hostels are advised to:

  • Take proper note of the October 1 – 14, 2026 window for the permitted stay.
  • Plan to complete SIWES and final year academic activities within this period.
  • Make arrangements to vacate the hostels before the deadline, as hostels will be locked immediately after.
  • Stay attentive to further communication from their respective Hall Administrators and Deans of Schools regarding the arrangement.

Affected students are advised to plan accordingly and ensure full compliance with the stated hostel vacation timeline.