ICYMI: Awolowo Hall Renovation Fallout: Students Navigate Challenges Amidst Unresolved Issues

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem 

Obafemi Awolowo Hall at OAU, a hub of student life, has become a focal point of discontent as students residing in blocks 3 and 4 grapple with unexpected challenges stemming from early second-semester renovations during the 2021/22 session. The much-anticipated completion of the renovations, marking the beginning of the current Harmattan semester (2022/23), has brought to light a series of unsettling revelations, leaving students frustrated.

The renovation process, which necessitated the temporary evacuation of students from block 3 and 4, reached a milestone with the commissioning of the newly renovated hostel. However, the excitement was short-lived as a circulated video during the commissioning revealed beds mounted inside each bunk. To the bewilderment of returning students, these beds mysteriously vanished upon resumption.

Adding to the students' grievances, those allocated rooms in the renovated blocks were confronted with a financial burden. A demand for #40,000 was placed on them, a substantial #15,000 more than their peers in other blocks who paid #25,000 for comparable accommodations.

Beyond financial woes, a more pressing issue emerged at the onset of the semester - irregular water supply. Kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets in these blocks receive water only once or twice every two weeks. In the initial weeks, cleaners and occupants had to take short trips to Block 8 to fetch water before the direct supply from the dam reached their block.

In a candid conversation with a block representative, it was revealed that a subpar job during the renovation resulted in inadequate water pressure. The promise of a fix is yet to materialize, leaving students in the lurch.

Furthermore, it was revealed that discussions with the representative of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) unveiled dissatisfaction with the hall's usage, citing missing taps and asserting an advantage in debates due to these discrepancies.

Acknowledging some misuse by both occupants and non-occupants, it was revealed that the hall executives and block representatives have diligently presented their concerns to university authorities on three occasions. With no visible action, students remain committed to reminding and pressuring the authorities until their grievances are addressed.

Awolowo Hall's occupants find themselves in a prolonged state of uncertainty, navigating through challenges brought about by the renovation fallout, while patiently awaiting resolutions and improvements to their living conditions.