AFASites Voice Concerns Over the Fading Glory of the Faculty’s LLT
Sakeenah Kareem
The Large Lecture Theatre (LLT) at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, used to be a venue of academic excellence. However, years of neglect have taken their toll on the building’s appearance. The walls are cracked, the floors are dirty, and cobwebs hang from the ceiling. It is no longer appealing to the eye nor worthy of the premier faculty.
As Halimah Lawal, a 200-level student, aptly described, “The whole place looks so dirty, up to the chair I sit on and the table I place my books on.” Oluwaseyifunmi Sanni, a 300-level student, shared similar sentiments, “I remember my first reaction in 100 level was surprise, the seats were bad, the lighting was poor, and the floors and environment were very dirty and it is still exactly the same way two years later, now that I am in 300 level”.
The LLT’s deplorable state has also affected its conduciveness for learning. The faulty fans, non-functional lights, and poor ventilation make it difficult for students to focus. Sarah Esesuru, a 300-level Philosophy student, lamented, “I’ve never seen the fans or lights work ever. It’s always hot and uncomfortable.” Chima Kalu Favour, a 400-level student, added, “I feel it’s not ideal for students to be learning in that kind of environment. It is always difficult for me to concentrate.”
The students’ discomfort is further compounded by the lack of maintenance and cleaning. The LLT is often left in a state of disarray, with dirt and debris scattered everywhere. Halimah Lawal noted, “The cleaners need to be active. There should be good maintenance of the place, and students too can contribute by just taking the chairs up.” Oluwaseyifunmi Sanni suggested, “A proper renovation of the room, which includes lighting, change of chairs, and cleaning of the room, is necessary.”
The LLT’s neglect has also raised concerns about the faculty’s priorities. As Sarah Esesuru wondered, “How can a faculty’s supposedly Large Lecture Theatre be in such a bad state, and the Faculty is not doing anything about it?” The students’ are urging the faculty executives to take responsibility for the LLT’s maintenance and ensure that the students have a conducive learning environment. Chima Kalu Favour added, “It does not speak well at all for the Premier Faculty. Maybe the Council of Presidents and Secretaries in the Faculty can table it to the Faculty Management.”
The LLT’s deterioration has also affected the students’ well-being while learning. The constant discomfort and distraction have taken a toll on their well-being. Halimah Lawal confessed, “Sometimes I breathe into myself because of the bad ventilation, and I was forced to get an electric fan because of that.” Oluwaseyifunmi Sanni shared, “I find it hard to concentrate, and it feels so less of a place for learning.”
Sarah Esusuru demanded, “The faculty management should see to its repairs immediately. It’s not ideal for students to be learning in such an environment.” The students’ demands for a safe and comfortable learning environment are not unreasonable. Unfortunately, attempts made to get the president of the faculty’s comment on this important and urgent case were futile.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
