A two-page open letter, dated Friday, 13th September, 2024, has voiced upfront concern over the present condition of the Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan.

The letter, addressed to Indy Hall Warden, Dr. Adejumobi and the Dean of Students, Professor Keye Abiona, criticized the ongoing plan to install what may be a gate or barricade, which in turn would cause constrained access or movement of passers-by, who largely ply the passage situated between the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall and the Great Independence Hall of Residence.

The letter, authored under the pseudonym ‘concerned students‘, explained that there has been no security threat within the two halls of residence to warrant the ongoing gate or barricade construction.

Faulting the lack of essential renovation within the hall, the letter pointed at the decrepit state of infrastructure in the hall, the commonly clogged waterways, appalling state of bathrooms and toilets, as well as the bad state of window nets across several blocks, as cardinal yet unaddressed concerns.

The letter disapproved of the long-dated, blocked drainage behind the reading room in Block C, which poses health risk to students, thereby urging the Hall Warden to rather set students welfare on a scale of importance.

The letter categorically suggested that funds earmarked for an additional gate be redirected towards facilitating essential projects in tune with students’ interest.

“We are concerned that the focus seems to be on installing gates around Independence hall for reasons that are unclear,” the letter reads.

“The most recent gate links Independence Hall to Azikwe hall, but we want to emphasize that the hall has never faced a security threat from that area. The existing gate at the back of the hall provides sufficient security for the students. Instead of focusing on additional gates, we demand that the funds should be directed towards addressing essential projects.”

“Over the past four sessions, there hasn’t been significant improvement in the facilities of the hall from the management. Most of the facilities in the hall are being facilitated from the student executive and it has become clear that students cannot take over the responsibility of management. Many common areas, such as toilets, tanks, and windows, are not adequately maintained, leading to an uncomfortable living environment. Additionally, the bathrooms often have plumbing issues, and the overall cleanliness is below acceptable standards” the letter reads.

“We strongly urge that funds allocated for additional gates be redirected to fixing these security issues, which directly impact the well-being of the students.”

“Several bathrooms have been blocked for weeks, with no action from hall management taken to resolve the issue. Additionally, a blocked drainage behind the reading room has remained unfixed for months. We understand the challenges faced by the hall management, but we urge you to prioritize the students’ well-being by addressing these essential facilities” the letter concluded.