The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, has begun the reconstruction of the Fajuyi-Akintola bridge. This development came after the students raised concerns about the condition of the bridge.
Recall that, in February, ACJOAU reported on the deteriorating and unsafe condition of the pathway between Akintola and Fajuyi, which is a crucial route that serves as a convenient shortcut for residents of these halls, helping them save time and effort. ACJOAU reported issues affecting this pathway, which include a Lack of lighting, dangerous potholes.
However, the reconstruction of the pathway and the bridge connecting the two hostels is underway.
Ali Moyosore, an occupant of Akintola hostel, noting the progress, said, ‘They are already building a new bridge, although I haven’t visited at night, the previously large pothole is no longer there. It’s encouraging to see the authorities addressing our concerns. However, additional improvements like clearing surrounding bushes and lightning will make the pathway safer.’
Ikechuku Christopher, an occupant of Fajuyi Hall, added, ‘The new bridge being constructed provides a safe
path for students, especially those returning after overnight reading. However, to me, the place
isn’t safe if there is no light around .’
Enoch Eyiaro from Fajuyi Hall also said, ‘Fixing the bridge is definitely a good step, but honestly, it doesn’t make the path any safer. The old bridge, although faulty, was still manageable — especially when it wasn’t raining. This new one just makes the path more usable, not necessarily safer.’ Enoch added that the safety of the path depends on clearing the bushes surrounding the path. especially from the Fajuyi side, is full of ditches. If you’re not careful, you could easily trip or fall. So while the bridge repair is appreciated, clearing the bushes and filling those ditches are really what’s needed to make the pathway safer and more accessible.’
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Bakare Israel from the Department of Communication and Media Studies, who is one of the active users of the pathway as a shortcut to religious ground, had also added, “I appreciate the effort by the management because that path is a major route used by students daily. Over the past few months, parts of it had started to break down, making it quite risky to use. The new bridge has made it easier and safer to walk through without constantly worrying about where to step.’ He highlighted that lighting the pathway will make it safer to use at night. He further reiterated that the path should be cleared of bushes to avoid dangerous reptiles.
The Great IFE Students’ Union Welfare Officer, Busari Samuel, who had earlier promised to report the issues with the pathway to the appropriate authorities, said, ‘We haven’t received any feedback about the construction of the pathway yet, however, the bridge is under construction, so I cannot say if the repair will address the concerns raised by students until completion.’ He promised that the problems listed together with the condition of the pathway, including lighting, clearing of bushes and proper drainage, will be addressed by the Union
alongside the bridge construction.