Wi-Fi Woes: The Promise and Frustration of Connectivity
Agnes Oyedokun
When the university announced the rollout of Wi-Fi in all halls of residence, it was met with excitement and relief from students.
“The University of Ibadan is pleased to offer undergraduate students access to local network, World Wide Web and other electronic networks.
Network access points are distributed in the Academic and Administrative areas on campus, specific areas are in the Faculty Libraries, Kenneth Dike Library (KDL), Halls of Residences and Recreation Centres such as Onosode and Alumni centres respectively,” reads the mail many Uites received on their official mail few months ago.
For many, this was a much-needed reprieve from the rising cost of mobile data and a vital tool for academic success. The convenience of free internet meant students could work on projects, access study materials, and stay connected with ease. However, as time passed, the reality of the Wi-Fi’s implementation began to surface, and its promise quickly turned into frustration for many students.
In Mellanby Hall, students initially welcomed the Wi-Fi as a cost-saving measure that facilitated their academic work. “It helped me save money and facilitated my project work,” said Oladokun Emmanuel Oluwatobi. Yet, his optimism was short-lived. The Wi-Fi, which had once been a convenience, began to falter. It only functioned when there was power supply, unlike the Wi-Fi in faculty buildings, which appeared to have backup systems. Now, it has completely stopped working, leaving Oladokun and his mates disconnected and frustrated. “Currently, it’s not working at all. Despite these challenges, I appreciate the effort to provide Wi-Fi in the halls and hope it will be restored soon,” he added.
The situation in Lord Tedder Hall mirrored this experience. Students like Abdullateef Isa enjoyed the Wi-Fi when it worked, but they quickly noticed its dependency on electricity. “Whenever there was no power supply, the Wi-Fi would not work and would not even be visible,” he noted. The connection in Tedder Hall ceased entirely about two weeks ago, leaving students to wonder whether the initial investment in the system had been worth it. For now, the Wi-Fi remains inaccessible, adding to the growing frustrations of its residents.
Other halls have fared even worse, with students unaware of the Wi-Fi’s existence or unable to access it altogether. At Zik Hall, Osas expressed uncertainty about the network’s availability. “Do you mean like the network providers, e.g., MTN? I’m not sure there is Wi-Fi in Zik Hall,” he said, reflecting the lack of awareness about the system. Similarly, in Awo Hall, Taiwo responded with surprise: “Did you just say Wi-Fi? If we have it, I don’t know anything about it.” This lack of communication has left many students in the dark, unsure of whether they are missing out or if the promised service was ever installed in their halls.
The situation in Kuti Hall is equally disheartening. A student who asked around discovered that Wi-Fi had indeed been installed but had never worked since its setup. For many, this revelation adds to the sense of wasted potential and mismanagement surrounding the network’s implementation. It raises questions about the efficiency of the rollout and whether the university administration has a plan to address these issues.
For those who can connect, the experience is far from seamless. In Queen Elizabeth Hall, students have reported poor coverage and unreliable speeds. Flourish, a Queenite, described the signal as weak or non-existent in many areas of the hostel. “It’s not just about the speed but also about the coverage,” she explained. These limitations have made it difficult for students to complete assignments or stay connected with family and friends. “Some people don’t even realize the problem is with the Wi-Fi and blame their devices or internet providers,” she added. The frustration has left students feeling helpless, with no clear avenue for resolution.
The uneven access to Wi-Fi across halls of residence highlights broader issues with its implementation. While some students, like those in Mellanby and Tedder Halls, were able to use the service for a brief period, others remain unaware or unable to access it entirely. This disparity has fueled discontent, with many questioning why the system works in some areas but not others. The dependency on electricity also raises concerns about the infrastructure’s sustainability, particularly in a campus environment prone to power outages.
Despite the setbacks, students remain hopeful that the university will address these challenges and fulfill its promise of reliable Wi-Fi across all halls. For now, the system remains a source of both gratitude and frustration, a symbol of what could be and what still needs to be done to ensure equitable access for all.
