The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, has announced that all mattresses currently provided in the University hostels will be disposed of and burnt, as part of measures to curb the persistent bed bug infestation affecting some hostels.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated September 25, 2026, addressed to all students resident in the University hostels, with the subject "Disposal of Hostel Mattresses as Part of Measures to Curb Bed Bug Infestation and Students Return with Personal Mattresses."

FUTO Student Affairs memo on hostel mattress disposal and bed bug eradication

Why the Decision Was Made

According to the memo, the decision forms part of the University Management's continued efforts to provide a clean, healthy, and comfortable living environment for students residing in the hostels, particularly in addressing the recurring challenge of bed bug infestation in some hostel rooms.

The memo further disclosed that the decision was reached in consultation with the Students' Union Government (SUG) and various Hostel Executives, following concerns raised regarding the infestation by students themselves.

What Will Happen

The University Management has stated that:

  • All mattresses currently provided in the hostels will be disposed of and appropriately burnt, immediately after students vacate the hostels at the end of the current academic session.
  • Students returning to the University hostels for subsequent sessions are advised and encouraged to come with their own personal mattresses for use during their stay.

This means that, going forward, students will be expected to provide their own mattresses rather than rely on those previously supplied within the hostel rooms.

University's Position on the Measure

The University Management has expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of students as this important measure is implemented, describing the mattress disposal exercise as part of a broader effort to eliminate bed bugs from the hostel environment and prevent their recurrence.

According to the memo, Management remains committed to improving students' welfare, and to ensuring that student stay in the hostels is as safe, healthy, and comfortable as possible. The memo further noted that additional measures will continue to be implemented to address the bed bug challenge and improve hostel facilities generally.

Students Urged to Cooperate

Students have been enjoined to cooperate with the Students Affairs Unit, Hostel Executives, and other relevant University authorities in the successful implementation of these measures.

What Affected Students Should Note

Students resident in University hostels are advised to:

  • Take note that existing hostel mattresses will be disposed of and burnt at the end of the current academic session.
  • Plan to bring a personal mattress ahead of their return to the hostels for subsequent sessions.
  • Cooperate fully with hostel authorities during the implementation of this and other related bed bug eradication measures.
  • Report any ongoing bed bug concerns to their respective Hostel Executives or the Student Affairs Unit, in line with the University's stated commitment to further improving hostel conditions.

Students are advised to take proper note of this development and plan accordingly ahead of their return to the hostels.