Mozambique Hall Management Reverses Nighttime Locking Policy

Obayemi Oluwatomisin

In a move that has brought an end to a prolonged period of inconvenience and risk to the safety and well-being of the female students at the Mozambique Hall of Residence, the authorities have reversed the nighttime locking policy at the hall.

Prior to the reversal, the residents of the Hall had repeatedly expressed concerns and complaints regarding the sudden and unannounced locking of the door. This policy forced many students to seek alternatives and often uncomfortable accommodations, such as sleeping in lecture theatres and other unconventional locations, despite having assigned bedspace within the university premises. The locking policy blatantly disregarded the students' right to safety, leaving them vulnerable and locked out of their residences.

During an interview with residents of the Mozambique Hall of Residence, several instances of inconvenience and risk caused by the nighttime locking policy came to light. One resident reported being unaware of the policy to lock the doors at 12 AM and was denied entry when she returned at 11 PM. Another resident recounted going out to study at 10 PM, only to find out that the porter had already locked the door. The resident was told she could only exit if she agreed to return by 5 AM. With no alternative, the resident was forced to spend the night at where she had gone to read. This incident highlights the unfairness of locking residents out while also denying them access to common rooms for studying.

The climax of it all was a particular incident that occurred on Sunday, November 24, 2024. A group of residents returned to the hall some minutes before 1 AM and were denied entry by the woman on duty. She insisted that she would only allow them to enter in batches. After a prolonged period, she eventually opened the door for some residents, but not to others who came in later until one of them contacted the Student Union officers. I personally witnessed this incident and can attest to the unreasonable treatment of the students.

The reason cited for the nighttime locking policy was to enhance security for freshmen and female students. However, this policy ultimately put students in greater danger. By being locked out, students were left vulnerable to the harsh weather and potential security threats. However, on Monday, November 25, 2024, the Welfare Director of the Students Union met with the hall management to address the issue. After discussions, the management agreed to reconsider alternative security measures instead of locking the main gate. Additionally, concerns were raised about the locked reading and common rooms restricting student access. The hall management assured that these facilities would be reopened and will be fully accessible to all residents.

The hall executives chaired by Eniola Ayansola announced the opening of one of the hall reading rooms. She also advised residents to take necessary security precautions, such as locking their doors at night, utilizing the common and reading rooms and being mindful of their surroundings and block members. Residents of the hall were apologized to for the inconveniences caused during the period and the Student Union further assured students that their security and welfare is of utmost importance to them.