By Diran Laolu

The Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan, held a congress on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Indy Hall Quadrangle to address pressing issues affecting the hall and brief residents on activities across various executive offices.

Although the congress was scheduled to commence by 5PM, it began at about 5:50PM.

During the congress, members of the Hall Executive Council presented reports from their respective offices on welfare, sports, security, academics, and infrastructure within the hall.

Speaking on sports activities, the Sports Commissioner disclosed that five footballs had been purchased for residents’ use.

“I bought five balls and, for proper maintenance, I have only released two. We still have two footballs left, so whenever you need them, you can walk up to me,” he said.

He added that training sessions for different sports would commence the following Saturday, while the Inter-Fans League would begin soon.

On security matters, the Defence Commissioner revealed that newly recruited hall marshals had been inaugurated and equipped with jackets and flashlights.

“New marshals have been inaugurated and provided with new jackets and flashlights,” he said, while also asserting that security within the hall had remained stable under the current administration.

Corroborating this, the Administrator-General urged residents to always carry their identification cards, especially when moving around the hall at night.

“There will be a rave/movie night within the next two weeks,” the Social and Buttery Commissioner also disclosed during the congress.

Addressing infrastructural concerns, the House Secretary attributed the current water shortage and non-functional solar lights to the ongoing Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions strike action.

“The water issue and the unavailability of the solar lights are due to the SSANU and NASU strike,” he said.

He further urged residents to make proper use of the reading rooms, noting that guidelines for their usage had already been circulated. He also assured residents that water supply issues would be resolved from Monday.

On academics, the Secretary of State announced that tutorials had ended and that mock tests and marathon classes would be organised closer to examinations.

“Some books are available for borrowing in case of light issues,” he added.

The Administrator-General further disclosed that books from the previous session would be redistributed before the commencement of the next semester.

He also announced plans for a Hall Week and a dinner in collaboration with a female hall of residence, unlike previous administrations.

Responding to questions on internet access, the Administrator-General stated that efforts were ongoing to secure both a university-backed public Wi-Fi system and a subsidised private network for residents.

The congress ended at about 7:30 p.m. with the rendition of the hall anthem.