How AFAS Executives and Volunteers Are Stepping Up to Improve Faculty Toilets

Seun Fatope

In response to ongoing complaints from AFASites about the need to fetch water before using the toilets, the AFAS Executive Council took swift action. After meeting with the Sub-Dean General to investigate the issue, it was revealed that the water tanks connected to the toilets were in dire need of cleaning and repair.

On August 17th, 2024, the AFAS executives, along with volunteers from the Department of Philosophy, took matters into their own hands, performing the necessary tank cleaning and repairs. Following this, the AFAS Executive Council issued a notice to all AFASites, reaffirming their commitment to the well-being of the students.

In a subsequent discussion, AFAS President Mojuba emphasized the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the tanks. He announced plans for a second tank washing on August 31st, 2024, to ensure the facilities remain hygienic.

“As the case may be, we still need to wash the remaining tanks next weekend and also repair some chairs in the New Building before addressing issues in the LLT,” President Mojuba stated.

However, on August 26th, 2024, a new issue arose when all toilets were unexpectedly locked, causing inconvenience to students. After meeting with the porter, President Mojuba clarified that the closure was due to the misuse of the female toilet by night readers and a malfunctioning pump in the male toilet. He assured students that he would reach out to the Helpdesk Committee for assistance and called for volunteers to help fetch water for the tanks to restore the toilets to working order.

The president also urged students to use the toilets responsibly, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of the cleaners. “Students should please use the toilets responsibly. They should consider the sacrifice of people cleaning them,” he emphasized.

The Helpdesk Committee Chairman, when interviewed, testified to the active participation of committee members in the tank-washing exercise and expressed appreciation for the volunteers. “As a committee whose primary responsibility is to provide assistance to students within the faculty, we ensured our members participated in the exercise. We also recognize the role played by other AFASites, particularly the executive body.”

He voiced his displeasure over the misuse of the toilets and called for a change in behavior. “As a committee, we condemn the inappropriate use of these toilets. While we understand that the faculty lacks sufficient cleaners and an effective cleaning structure, we appeal to all students to make judicious use of these facilities. This will help mitigate the issues.”

The chairman also highlighted the need for further orientation for students and mentioned ongoing efforts by the executive body to increase the workforce responsible for maintaining the toilets. “Even if we had enough cleaners, it is still imperative that the toilets are used correctly. The committee, alongside the executive body, is working hard to negotiate with the faculty leadership for more cleaners and cleaning equipment. While addressing this fundamental issue, we must also look inward and see that we can do better as students.”

Acknowledging the academic responsibilities of committee members, the chairman noted that the call for assistance in fetching water would be met by available members. “It is important to consider that these committee members are also students with classes and other commitments. We will work with those who are available.”