Dirty Truth: Students Decry Environmental Pollution in UI
Seun Fatope
The deteriorating sanitary conditions in the University of Ibadan, particularly around the Faculty of Arts, have sparked concern among students who face daily challenges with cleanliness on campus. Once renowned as a center of learning and excellence, the university now grapples with sanitation issues that undermine its reputation and student well-being.
Kehinde Mausi, a student at the Faculty of Arts, expressed frustration with the condition of the faculty toilets, describing them as unkept and foul-smelling. The unpleasant environment makes it uncomfortable to use the restroom, which impacts her comfort and ability to focus. “I can’t use the restroom whenever I need to because it’s just not clean,” she said, explaining that the persistent odour disrupts the air, creating a hazardous environment for students. The lack of cleanliness and poor ventilation in these facilities have left students feeling both frustrated and neglected.
Kehinde believes that a strict cleaning regimen and consistent water supply are essential to address these issues. “Proper daily cleaning and a constant water supply would help,” she stated, pointing out that regular cleaning alone won’t be effective without sufficient water. She suggested that the faculty leadership, including the president and vice president, could work with the cleaning staff to ensure these conditions are met. While she commended the university for its efforts in other areas, she identified persistent problem spots, such as the Indy black market road and the Tech road leading to Awo Hall, where stagnant, foul-smelling water remains a constant issue.
Another student, Bello David, pointed out the unpleasant smell of urine around the Faculty building, which he attributed to insufficient toilet facilities and inadequate maintenance. He noted that students frequently complain about the lack of upkeep, which impacts their experience at the faculty. In addition to cleanliness concerns, Bello highlighted the lack of lighting and security measures around the faculty, which poses a risk for students who study late. He expressed frustration at the inadequate facilities, noting that these problems seem to persist semester after semester without resolution.
Bello emphasized that improving the maintenance and cleanliness of toilet facilities, as well as increasing lighting and security measures, would significantly improve the environment for students. Additionally, he expressed interest in launching hygiene awareness campaigns within the faculty to encourage better habits among students. Reflecting on the overall sanitation of the university, he rated it at 2.5 out of 5, acknowledging issues such as poor waste management, littered surroundings, and the prevalence of pests like bed bugs. “The prevalence of unregulated waste dumping across campus is unacceptable,” he said, noting the health risks associated with inadequate waste management and sanitation facilities.
Surprise Ayo voiced her discontent with the university’s apparent indifference to these sanitation issues, especially in light of recent fee increases. She described witnessing university staff engaging in unhygienic practices, such as dumping water from upper floors onto campus grounds, a behavior that would be punished in student hostels. “Even with the school fee increase, it seems the university management cares less about student well-being,” she remarked, expressing disappointment at the lack of accountability. For her, the start of each day at the faculty is marred by having to cover her nose to block out the stench from refuse dumps around campus.
Surprise’s perspective sheds light on a broader feeling of neglect among students, who see the lack of sanitation as evidence that the university’s priorities are misaligned with their well-being.
Unlike other students, Mr. Gbadamosi, another Faculty of Arts student, did not observe major hygiene issues within the faculty itself, acknowledging improvements since his first year. However, he noted recurring odours from the Nescafe stand, which he believes originate from restroom areas nearby. He emphasized the need for strict oversight from faculty management to maintain clean facilities, along with providing effective cleaning agents to maintain hygiene.
Addressing the larger issue of pollution around campus, Mr. Gbadamosi pointed to several troubling dump sites, including those near the SUB and in front of Bello Hall. He described how the surrounding air becomes unpleasant for up to an hour after refuse trucks collect waste, affecting the quality of life for students. “The most serious issue is the dumpsite near Love Garden, a place where students gather frequently,” he noted, explaining how this poor waste management disrupts what should be a relaxing and pleasant space for students.
The root of the problem, he argued, lies in the tendency to let waste overflow before addressing it. This practice not only diminishes the university’s reputation but also exposes students to potential health risks. “It’s an eyesore and a health hazard,” he said, advocating for stricter waste management practices and an orientation program for students on environmental cleanliness. He stressed that students, too, bear some responsibility for the state of their surroundings, and suggested penalties for those who fail to dispose of waste properly.
The deteriorating sanitary conditions in the university underscore the need for collective responsibility. While students acknowledge the university’s efforts in certain areas, they urge the management to adopt a more proactive approach to sanitation. Key recommendations from students include enhanced maintenance schedules, sufficient water supply, improved security and lighting, and better waste disposal practices. Additionally, there is a call for the university to foster a culture of cleanliness through awareness campaigns and to hold students accountable for maintaining a clean campus.
In conclusion, the sanitation challenges at the University of Ibadan have grown into a pressing issue that affects not only the well-being of students but also the institution’s reputation. Addressing these problems requires a coordinated effort between university administration, and students to create a cleaner, healthier, and more conducive environment for learning.
