From the recent development which arose in Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence last night, it was revealed to the Hall executives that there will be a renovation of Block 7 and Block 8, and occupants of these concerned blocks are instructed to vacate their rooms between Friday, 24 April and Monday, 27 April.
This announcement got intense reactions from the affected occupants and every member of Awo Hall. A peaceful demonstration was organised to pass a message that the school management’s move is unacceptable.
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To further gather views and opinions of the occupants, especially the occupants of Blocks 7 and 8, an impromptu meeting was called at Awo cafe where the occupants of the hall described this move by the school management as insensitive and an oppressive move that does not offer a room for dialogue and prior notice.
Occupants complained that the rooms are choked with too many occupants from the start and accommodating affected occupants of Blocks 7 and 8 is impossible and unacceptable.
A peaceful demonstration started from the Awo cafe down to the Student Union Building last night, with hundreds of Awo occupants protesting against the School’s harsh and imposing approach in carrying out a renovation.
Occupants Bemoan Situation
In an interview with an occupant of Block 7, Victor Adeoye, he explained the move by the University’s Management as ‘absurd and out of point ‘, explaining that when he made payment for bed space on the school’s portal at the beginning of the session, the agreement was for a whole session’s occupancy not just a semester. While speaking, he said the school management makes decisions and they expect students to just comply, adding that the same move was adopted last academic session for the renovation of Block 5.
‘What do they mean that we should vacate, and they are also giving us an ultimatum, I heard between now and next Monday, if we do not leave, it’s going to be another issue entirely,’ he said.
Fikayo Adeife, another occupant of Block 7, highlighted one major effect associated with this impromptu directive, which is a reduction in the amount of time he dedicates to his studies. He further stated that this disruption would lead to stress, especially when it gets a searching for another available space to move into within the hall or outside.
Speaking with another occupant of Block 8 who requested anonymity, he commended the University’s management efforts to provide a conducive and comfort space for occupants. He said, ‘However, the way of approach is wrong and a renovation when a semester is still running is completely unacceptable.’
He described the University’s management as ‘self centred and biased’ decision based on the fact that there has not been a prior notice for renovation and it’s very unfair to these affected occupants.
Similarly, one of the affected residents, Isreal revealed that when he heard the information from other occupants, he was confused and frustrated stating that this is his first time staying on campus. He added that the Management’s decision does not consider the interest and convenience of the students in mind.
He said, ‘At least, they should be considerate that we have almost 300 occupants in both affected blocks. How do they want to cope and expect other available blocks to accommodate these affected students?’ He suggested that the University management should exercise patience till the end of the session before carrying out a renovation.
Residents to meet with Management
When ACJOAU reached out to the Hall Chairman, Lateef Omotayo, he stated that he has no official response to provide to the media yet. However, he confirmed his stance is same as the occupants’ stance. He also revealed that a meeting is scheduled to be held by 9:00 pm at Awo Cafe between the University’s management and the Residents of Awolowo Hall of Residence to work out a peaceful resolution.
DSA Clarifies Management’s Intent
The Dean of Students Affairs, Professor John Odedire revealed to ACJOAU that the whole situation was a result of misconstrued information by the Hall Executives. ‘That was misconstrued information. We sent for the representatives of the Hall Excos and we told them that the renovation of Blocks 7 & 8 will start next week, and the reason why the renovation is coming up now is that we are not in control of the money it is a project that was supposed to have come up before and the work is time-bound,’ he said.
He clarified that it was discussed that the Block 7 Occupants should spread out to other blocks in the Hall of Residence, till the renovation of Block 7 is completed. The same method will be used for Block 8. Professor Odedire stated that the reason for the sudden notice is that whenever funds are released by the Federal Government, the particular project involved must be executed within a given time frame.
He added, ‘We did not tell students to leave because it’s supposed to be a win-win for both sides, management and occupants, we want you to enjoy the innovation and we do not want to miss the intervention opportunity from the Federal Government. That was the information we gave him.’
He further revealed that the overall time span for the renovation for both blocks is between 4 and 6 weeks.
He urged students to be patient and cooperate with this proposed renovation because it is for the greater good of the Hall of Residence and the University’s management. He concluded by giving a strong assurance and confirmation that the proposed renovation will not exceed this started time limit, and that students should also monitor the timing.