Our Welfare and the Politics of Problem-Solving

By: Ochi, Maduabuchi

A new semester brings students not only new courses but also its challenges. Unlike in first semester, many students do not have to worry about finding a hostel space. The challenges of second semester are however not usually new; many of the known problems persist. Politics concern itself with problems and solving them. Politics broadly refers to all the actions of the government and all people who work for, serve, or challenge it. It is notably a conflict management system. It is a systematic way of resolving public concerns. The new semester, brief, but as it would be, cluttered, demands that ‘politics’ by all standards be markedly used to improve the University community.

Our Electrifying issue

In first semester, the University of Ibadan was rife with protests concerning fee hikes. Anyone quite observant would remember that a memo on electricity which circulated online sparked the first outing of students’ protest – July 16 and 17. The issue of electricity on campus is important, but has been an uphill battle. Centrifugal pumps that supply water to hostels need electricity to function. Well charged phones or laptops, which serve as storehouses of virtual materials also require power availability, as they also help students stay up-to-date on campus.

Students may come back to face the same issue. The usually unexplainable absence of power supply. Almost every semester, like they are on a schedule, students face issues with power supply which leaves them without water to wash, bathe or even cook. The experience forces students to move about in search of water, like animals migrating during the dry season. It is an embarrassingly serious concern.

There needs to be an overhaul. The constant collapse of electricity does not come out of nowhere. The current infrastructure needs to be assessed. This would make it easier to know where the fault lies and get close to peace. The root cause should be dealt with, not the symptoms merely. The University of Ibadan management must give fundamental solutions to fundamental problems.

Secondary energy sources should also be set up. These include things like batteries. These batteries could store excess power during the time when there is an energy supply.

The School Health Centre

The word ‘patience’ takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the school clinic, Jaja. The long waiting times at Jaja are usually long enough to prepare a stone into porridge. Sometimes, it is doubtful if things would change. Generally, Nigeria’s health sector is deplorable and unimaginably dysfunctional. Too many shortcomings characterize the public health system. These drawbacks, despite the good riddance of some committed health workers, have been bold and everywhere – Jaja inclusive.

On Jaja, users complaints are undeniably known. Students visit the centre and don’t get attended to in due times. They wait for terrible long hours in the face of their medical pain. They get there in the morning, only to leave in the evening. Sometimes, they don’t get the treatment they went for. Simple issues are made complex because they are allowed to stay for too long.

Health is an important concern. Students should always keep in mind the kind of services they will get at Jaja. Do what you can to avoid going there. Sleep well, eat healthy. It is by doing little things that help that can keep you away from being at the mercy of Jaja. When walking, ensure you stay hydrated. Try as much as possible to avoid direct sunlight. Health is wealth.

But student leaders also have a role to play. It should not be until when there is a death case or a relative case. Student leaders and the Students’ Union must begin an immediate call for better healthcare services. Jaja needs more doctors. Jaja needs ‘more things’ to be discovered.

On Transport Hike

UI has been rife with talks about a hike here, another there. Second semester, do not expect less, comes with its own. Transport workers have stylishly increased the price of transportation. Things have therefore been a bit harder for the students and anywhere in a rush. It is a serious concern, which student leaders must gear up to. Prices must be regulated. The poor handling of the Nigerian economy must also be confronted.

Generally, student leaders should mount pressure on the management when and where necessary. They should make use of their position. Speak to the management – of course the management claims it is an open door policy system. Organize when necessary – the student community is a Union. At the hall, faculty, and departmental level, there are things that can be done too. Departmental leaders should make an effort to change their own orientation and participation in the scheme of things.

Welcome to second semester, where your political consciousness matters!

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