Posts

Showing posts from January, 2025

How Noise Pollution is Affecting Moremi Hall Residents

Image
  Esther Olatunji  Students in Blocks G and H of Moremi Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) are facing significant noise pollution, disrupting their need for a peaceful living environment. The tranquility of the area is frequently interrupted by loud music from nearby church programs and parties at the Architecture department. Residents report increased stress, distractions from studying, and sleep deprivation.  A frustrated resident stated, "Moremi is supposed to be a place of rest, but the music is usually too loud. I can literally feel the bass in my room. What happened to using the halls or religious grounds for events?" she noted. Another resident expressed similar concerns, saying, "Noise can never be convenient. I'm not okay with it, and there's nothing I can do," she said.  Roselyn shared her perspective on the noise issue. She explained, "It varies with my mood. The noise isn't terrible; it's music, but on days when I have a headac...

I Faced Many Challenges on My Journey to OAU- Joseph

Image
  Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel   Salako Joseph, a fresh student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), shared his experiences leading up to his matriculation. Joseph expressed his happiness about starting this new chapter but revealed that he faced many challenges while waiting for admission. The process was long and difficult, almost causing him to give up. Joseph chose OAU because he believed it was the right fit for him. He is studying in the Faculty of Law and aims to excel in his studies. While he hopes to graduate with good results, he stated that achieving a perfect score of 5.0 is not his only goal. Since beginning university, Joseph has made new friends and feels they share a strong bond. He emphasized the importance of selecting the right course, noting that he would not have forfeited his admission if offered courses like English Language or Dramatic Art. However, he would reconsider if placed in a program outside these options. Looking ahead, Joseph has high hopes f...

Embracing the Journey at Obafemi Awolowo University: A New Chapter for Matriculants

Image
  Olanrewaju Lawal Dear Matriculants, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, renowned as the greatest among the best. You have earned this achievement and deserve to be celebrated for it. You are embarking on a journey toward greater heights and are among the fortunate few who have gained entry into this revered institution where academics and culture are intricately woven together. Since its inception, Obafemi Awolowo University has remained a bastion of academic excellence, nurturing brilliant minds and producing distinguished graduates who contribute significantly across various fields globally. Among its notable alumni are Femi Falana, a renowned legal luminary; Chief Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University; and Adebayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power and Energy. These individuals exemplify excellence and uphold the university's legacy of producing world-class leaders. As you celebrate this defining mom...

Streetlights Installed on OAU Road Linking Fajuyi Hostel to ETF Hostel and New Market

Image
  Ifeoluwa Lambe Years of total darkness have ceased for the 5-minute, 400-meter road that leads from Adekunle Fajuyi Hostel to New Market and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Hostel, as the road has been lit up, bringing much-needed relief to students, staff, and market traders who use the route daily. The road had been a cause of concern for many years since it did not have any kind of lighting, making it difficult and unsafe to utilize at night. The majority of students and traders had to utilize the flashlights of their phones to navigate, which was a very serious cause of concern in terms of visibility and safety. Due to the recent installation of streetlights, the road has undergone a remarkable transformation. Pedestrians can now walk more comfortably and with an added sense of safety. "Walking on this road at night was terrifying. I always had to rush and stay alert, but now with the lights, I feel safer. I can even go for overnight reading without worrying too much," s...

How OAU Hostel Residents Struggle Amidst Water Scarcity

Image
Emiola Oluwaseun Water scarcity has been a persistent challenge across the halls of residence in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for the past two weeks. The affected halls include the freshmen hostels, Mozambique, and Angola, which have experienced short and inconsistent water supply. As a result, students have had to walk long distances to fetch water from other hostels like Faj, Awo, and Akintola. The scarcity of water has severely impacted the daily lives of students. Many are finding it difficult to maintain their personal hygiene, and cooking has become a luxury. The two primary sources of water in the hostels, the dam and borehole, have either not been functioning or have been operational for only short periods. This has been insufficient to meet the needs of the large student population. "I haven't cooked for two days now because of this water issue," lamented a resident of Alumni.  "My roommate and I went to PG Hall as early as 5 AM to look for water, but it...

Great Ife SRC Orders Halt on LIB Manual Sales Amid Student Outcry

Image
  Esther Olatunji Obafemi Awolowo University Students' Union Representative Council (SRC) has released a press statement condemning the mandatory purchase of LIB 001 manuals at N5,000. The move has sparked mixed reactions among students. The controversy surrounding the LIB 001 manual is the latest in a series of financial burdens faced by freshmen. Many have expressed frustration over exorbitant Freshers package dues, unaccounted for, and overpriced mandatory textbooks. Deborah, a Part One Linguistics student, shared her grievances, "The amount we have to spend is too much. We've already bought SER 001 textbooks for N6,000, and now we're forced to buy LIB 001 manuals for the same price, despite it being a zero-unit course. What happened to PDFs," she stated. Students are skeptical about the SRC's directive, questioning whether it will hold ground. Those who have already paid are pessimistic about receiving refunds. Uncertainty surrounds the fate of printed boo...

Paraded OAU Student Confessed to Rape

Image
  A student at Obafemi Awolowo University has confessed to raping a fellow student twice at her off-campus residence, according to findings released by the university's Student Union Security Committee. The accused was paraded across the university halls of residence on Wednesday evening, January 8. The committee's investigation found that the perpetrator, who was known to the victim, used manipulation to gain access to her residence. He later used video recordings to blackmail her into further sexual acts. "Physical evidence, chat records, and the perpetrator's own confession confirm the survivor's account," stated the security committee in their official release. The perpetrator reportedly used multiple phone numbers to threaten and intimidate the victim. The Student Union Security Committee has involved both the university administration and law enforcement to pursue justice in the case. They have also established confidential reporting channels for other p...

OAU Freshers Fume Over Overcrowded Classroom and Poor Facilities

Image
 Olanrewaju Lawal Upon arriving at the BOO B lecture theatre for a Physics class, attention was drawn to the neighboring BOO C theatre, where about 600 first-year students were crammed into a hall meant for only 350. The excitement of these students from the faculties of Technology, Science, Agriculture, and Environmental Design and Management quickly faded in the sweltering heat of an overcrowded space. Inside, many students had to stand or sit on the floor due to a lack of chairs. The air conditioning units struggled against the heat, making it hard for students to pay attention to their lectures. “Learning here wasn’t just a challenge; it was a battle—one fought with sweat, patience, and dwindling hope,” said one student. Michael, a Mechanical Engineering student, expressed disappointment: “I had high hopes for this university. I imagined a stimulating environment, not this oppressive heat on my first day. It’s tough to understand what the lecturer is saying when you can barely ...

How OAU Students Tackle Mental Health Challenges Amid Academic Pressure

Image
 Ojo Mercy Mental health is a critical concern among students, who pressures from academic work and personal challenges. Mental health is the state of mind and the overall well-being of a person. It encompasses our emotions, psychological, and social status. The need to maintain one's mental health is the ability to cope with stress, maintain relationships, and manage academic, social, and daily activities. Common health concerns include stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health is a prevalent issue among students on campus, who deal with a lot of pressure from academic work, coupled with growing concerns about how to survive life generally. Students are expressing growing concerns related to their mental health, including the challenges they face and how they cope. "I can't say my mental health is really in a good state right now. Having to juggle different discourses and balancing non-academic activities to sustain myself is a whole lot that seems to be affecting me...