Students, Staff members calling me in the middle of the night for Accommodation— New Zik Hall Warden

By Adebowale Akinjide

Dr. Okunlade Oluseyi of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, who is the new hall warden of Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, in this interview with the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall Press Organization editorial board, shared the hall management’s plans to improve the facilities of the hall, plans for Zik at 60, and other issues as it concerns the hall.

Good afternoon, sir. Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Dr. Okunlade Adelekan Oluseyi. I’m from the faculty department of microbiology, faculty of veterinary medicine, university of ibadan.

You are the new hall warden. How has it been since your emergence as the new warden of the hall; coping with challenges, or, has it been smooth?

Yes, I am the new Hall warden just immediately facing the challenges of the hall. As I resumed the duty, I assessed the situation of the hall, I saw that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the hall, renovation. Actually, I am not happy with the way I met the hall, I could see that a lot of louvres are nowhere to be found in rooms, some places, no net, the (bad) drainage system. I was told that some boreholes are not functional, and many other things like that. In fact, the road that from Zik Hall gate (leading) inside is not too good at all, so, those are the things that I met on ground. Apart from that, the pressure of accommodation is another challenge, requests here and there, students calling me, some ones calling me in the middle of the night, some staff members calling me in the middle of the night requesting for one thing or the other; so, i’ve been coping with all the challenges anyway, but then, it has not been easy.

You talked about the problems of facilities and everything, and we know that the school has increased the price of accommodation, however, what plans are there for improvement of the facilities; because some students are of the opinion that the fees cannot be increased while the facilities remain at the status quo. So, are there plans to improve the facilities?

Yes, there is plan to improve the infrastructure, the facilities in the hall. For example, just last week, there was an onsite inspection by the DVC Admin (deputy vice-chancellor, administration) and the Dean of students, of the situation of the hall. When they moved round, they saw the state of the hall, and fallout of that is that we have been made to request for materials needed to repair the hall. So, we have immediately submitted the list. Talk about the number of louvres, talk about bunk(s), submersible pump, electrical materials and other things.
So, we are eagerly awaiting the response of the management towards these. These are immediate needs that the university management have requested us to submit, and hopefully, we hope that there will be prompt response to that. So, we are waiting for the management.
Of course, there cannot be increment in fees of accommodation without response from the management. The students will not be happy if they are paying increased fee and there is no commensurate response. We hope that definitely there will be response from the management.

There were some issues that were constant for Zikites last session which the former warden wasn’t able to address before he left, like water and light issues. We have always experienced late or no supply of power when other halls have power, and it’s now becoming a way of life for zikites that we have to wait for others to get light before we get light, so, are there procedures to make sure that we can curb these issues?

Let me just say that fortunately, since the inception of my tenure here, there has been regular light, all of you can witness to that, and I hope and believe that that would continue. I suppose that that issue of light from the source (maintenance) has been rectified. We hope that there won’t be problem of light source for this session, and it’s going to be a very good session, itch-free session for all of us.
Apart from that, we have requested for some of the electrical materials for repair in some of the rooms. I’m aware that in some of the rooms there are no sockets and other things that has to do with electrical (electricity), so, we have requested for those items, and when they arrive, any complaint from anyone will be quickly addressed.

About zik hall at 60 that would be happening soon, what are the plans that Zikites, both present Zikites and alumni should be expecting?

We thank God for zik hall at 60, it is a landmark achievement. There are good plans ahead to mark the 60th year of Nnamdi Azikwe Hall. One of the plans is that we have reached out to the alumni in collaboration with the student union and the hall executives to have a renovation of the gate, that gate is not in a good condition. We plan to repair the gate. Again, the condition of the JCR (junior common room) is not good also. It’s also in plan to renovate the JCR. And again, the executives (they) also have it in plan to reach out to the alumni to organize a kind of bursary, like a student aid, giving out some amount to indigent students, to help them with their tuition and what have you. So, we hope that there would be good responses from the alumni. Those are are just few of the plans that we have for the 60th of Nnamdi Azikwe Hall. There are other plans ahead that may be football competition and other things. As the events unfold, we will be getting to know more about that.

Coming back to facilities, one of the issues that Zik Hall had last session was the issue of shortage of cleaners. We gathered that a lot of cleaners left their jobs around January, and from then, we have not noticed replacements. Now that freshers are coming in, the hall will be full again in a matter of weeks and there would be need for more hands on deck. Have you pinpointed any insight into why they left their jobs, and how would you address the situation of incorporating new cleaners. Also, how would you avoid the situation of cleaners dropping their jobs in the future for what could be a number of reasons?

Thank you so much. On the issue of cleaners, I am not aware whether some cleaners resigned or dropped their job(s) last session, like I told you that i am just new, I just resumed August this year. I was coming from somewhere where i was assistant Hall warden, but all the same, when I assessed the situation here, I also noted that the cleaners are not enough considering the load of work in the hall here, so with that, I’ve promptly requested for more cleaners from the management; letters have been written, in fact, as the DVC (deputy vice chancellor) and the VC (vice chancellor) also came, and those are part of our requests to them that personnels, we need more cleaners, there are six on ground here, we need more so that they can effectively do their work. […] you know (the) management sometimes, there can be bureaucracy, there can be protocol(s) to follow. We hope that the request is granted as soon as possible.

There is also the problem of the pumping machines, the one in front of C Block and the one at the back of A Block, both have stopped working. Are there plans to repair them?, because considering the number of students in Zik Hall, if two pumping machines are not working, it increases the workload on the others.
Also, the one in front of C Block has stopped working for two years, and when we spoke to the former hall warden, he said they were going to do something about it. So, are there plans to return these tanks back to working ways?

Yes, there are plans to return the tanks working. Like the one you are mentioning, we have (the) plan to connect pipes to the tank as soon as possible. We are waiting for some amount of money that will take care of that running of the pipe. I am aware that there is a borehole that is faulty down the back of the JCR, that’s our priority now. We have requested for submersible pump(s), and within this week, hopefully, the submersible pump will be supplied, and that borehole will be functional. That borehole will be serving those tanks that you are referring to. By the grace of God, in a short time, that borehole will be functioning. We are going to run pipes in them, and they will work, and I am aware that the issue of water is a very paramount thing in the hall, and we want to tackle that headlong in the hall.

There was a big subject that caused an uproar towards the ending of last session: the food poisoning problem, it was taken up by the executives. I don’t know if the management will be working with the cafeterias so that the standard of food will be at optimal level so that there will not be a return to the cases of food poisoning.

Thank you so much. Two weeks ago, when I came, we inspected the cafeteria, the kitchen, and we ensured that things must be put in proper shape, that the environment must be clean, the hygiene must be properly adhered to, to ensure that there’s no recurrence of food poisoning. I’m a microbiologist and I know the implication of this, so, I know where the source of food poisoning can be from, and we want to ensure that there’s no recurrence of that. We are going to ensure that the kitchens of the cafeterias and the environment are clean.

One more question related to that, sir. One of the things that we understand is that the health minister is the one in charge of inspecting the cafeteria, and one of the issues that occurred last session in regards to that is that the former health minister said most times he wants to go and inspect, he had to inform the hall warden, failure to follow to that protocol and he will not be allowed to inspect. However, we believe that one of the things that would improve the cleanliness of their facilities is spontaneous inspection, without having to go through that bureaucratic process. So, we want to know if this current health minister may have to inform you every time or he can just do the inspection by his sole discretion?

The issue of impromptu inspection can even be done with the Hall warden, rather than the health minister having to inform the hall warden, the two: myself and the health minister can just decide that we are doing the inspection today without informing the people at the cafeteria wherever. So, I want to work hand-in-hand with the health minister. There shouldn’t be any fore information to the people at the cafeteria before we go to inspect. So, I want to say that it is not the question of whether the people would be informed earlier or not. We are going to take it up ourselves, we would go there to inspect without any notice. I want to ensure that there is proper hygiene being followed.

In follow-up to that, we had some problems with the former hall warden regarding stories that could go out. In terms of issues affecting the hall or stories that can debase the hall, is there going to be any form of veto on what we can put out in terms of stories?

Okay, well, my response to that will be that whatever is happening in the hall, the hall management should be informed, the warden should be in the know, and whatever we want to to do, we will not get involved with the issue of tarnishing the image of the university. Any problem that occur, we want to tackle them headlong and we want to ensure that they are addressed promptly. For example, there was a case of bedbugs that we got recently: that student did a video. You know social media can send things viral. That video was sent to some quarters without informing the warden, without informing the supervisors. That would not be too good. There should be (an) appropriate way of reporting things so that we would be at the same page. I’m not saying that information should not go to the public, but then, we have to put our house in order even before any information goes out. For example, that case of bedbug, we would have done all the needful, that even when there would be inspection afterwards, you would see that prompt actions have been taken. That is what i am interested in. So, whatever happens, the management should be in the know, not that we want to censor what information goes out, but we are interested in the solution, promptness and action. That’s what I’m concerned about.

New students are coming in right now, what is your message to them?

I want to use this medium to welcome all freshers and the new students that are coming into the university, congratulating them for their admission into the University of Ibadan, the premier university, the first and the best. And also, for students that have been allocated to Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, this is the greatest of the halls in the University of Ibadan. It is always said that whenever Zik Hall sneezes, the whole university catches cold. I want to encourage the new students that the primary assignment that they have been assigned to do in the university is to read and to read and to read, but that doesn’t say they should not get themselves involved in extracurricular activities, but they should ensure that they attach so much importance to their primary assignment which is to study and aim high. You cannot be a Zikite if you have not been admitted into the university, so you must take it as a point of duty to attend to your studies, go to classes on time, read, do aro small and enjoy yourself. That’s my message to them.

Intra-campus transport fare increase, justified or not?

UI Car Park

By Adebowale Akinjide

Different reactions have followed the hike in the new transport prices that was announced on the 23rd of August in a document released by the Professor Olajide-led Intra-campus Transport Committee (ICTC). The price increase was the expectation of many due to the massive upsurge of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) price that followed the subsidy removal at the inception of the Tinubu’s administration.

This recent increase is the second of its kind this year. The first hike in prices of transport charged on campus started first as early as March. In March, while prices of halls like Bello, Kuti, Mellanby, remained at N50, other halls including Zik, Awo, Indy and Idia were charged at N100. Months later, there were reports of commuters charging beyond these rates. To this effect, the Students’ Union released a press statement informing the student populace of the channel to report the commuters charging beyond the stipulated prices to.

The prevalence in the increase left many students believing that the prices of the transport fare had been increased without an official announcement, which many deemed unjustifiable and unfair. However, any form of price increase without the Vice-chancellor’s approval cannot be ascribed to anyone in particular except a call by the commuters themselves.

In an onsite interview with Zik Press, the chairman of the taxi and tricycle commuters on campus, Mr. Joseph Temitope aka ‘Dangote’ denied any form of increment around June, alluding that an increase can only be implemented by an approval from the vice-chancellor.

“The commuters cannot increase (the prices) without approval from the management, because we carry some places N100, some places N50 when the fuel was N190, N195, N200, N220; that was when the price we are carrying before is like that”.

 

However, in a whatsapp discussion with the Student Union House Secretary, Oluwole Ayomide Sanjay, he affirmed that the ICTC chairman once addressed the commuters, asking them to revert to the old prices. In Sanjay’s words, they simply said that “they wouldn’t”.

What is the Student Union’s stance in all of these?

In a meeting around early August, with the Union been represented by Samuel Samson Tobiloba (Host) himself, the issue of commuters on campus charging above the regulated price was discussed.

After this meeting, the committee reached out to both the Students Union and the commuters, submitting the proposed transport fares. From that meeting, another 8-man committee was constituted, with Sanjay being the only student. In this meeting, the commuters and the Students Union submitted their proposals while another 3-man committee was set up by the ICTC to find an equalizer between the prices of the two parties. The resolve of this latter committee was approved by the ICTC as the latest charges for transport in the campus.

Sanjay averred that the Union did not accept the new prices due to its outrageousness. To salvage the situation, the Student Union had to draft new price tags.

“We had to make another proposal. So, it was in that other proposal that myself met with the ICTC chairman” Oluwole explained.

The proposal allowed the ICTC and the Student Union to agree on some prices, while some were different from the agreement of the committee.

For instance, the Student Union lobbied that all areas, basically halls of residence and faculties, and some places mostly plied by students remain at N100.

The final price release only reflected the Union’s interest for the prices of Zik and Indy, but for Awo that most of the other members of the committee wanted to stipulate at N100, Sanjay lobbied to be reduced to N100. Till this very moment, this stance of the Student regarding the price has not changed.

Are the commuters overcharging?

The students are the largest decision-making body in the university, and it is just appropriate that the interest of the students is placed with more premium when it clashes with any other interest in the university. However, applying this logic to this context would be to be deluded from the Nigerian economic reality.

Dangote, the park chairman spoke extensively about how the commuters have been running at loss before upgrade in the prices.

“Now if you want to go to Science (faculty of science), let’s say we buy 5 liters for a car to go to science which is N100 before, and it will go only five trips, and 5 liters is N3000. If it is control price at Mobil, it is N590. Let’s say N590 multiplied by 5 liters [sic], it will give us N2,950. Now, it will go five trip before it finishes. N100 multiplied by 4, because (a) car carries four passengers, which is N400, and there’s no probability of carry-back. Let’s calculate it like that: N400 multiplied by 5 times that he went, it will give us N2,000. A loss of N950”.

Added to that loss that the commuters suffered during the previous price list, he also explained how much they spend on the maintenance of the vehicles ranging from the wears and tears, changing the tyres, fixing the batteries, kicks and brake-pads, servicing and what have you.

Zik Hall Legislative Council Holds Sitting, Elects New Principal Officers

By Beatitude

In a display of democratic tradition and transparent governance, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Press provides an overview of the latest meeting held by the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall legislative Council on Sunday, 20th of August, 2023. The meeting, convened to discuss the Hall’s affairs and recent events, unveiled significant changes to its legislative council’s composition and leadership.

The proceedings commenced with Honourable Igbaoreto Samuel, the Speaker, addressing former Honourables of the house, setting the stage for a pivotal gathering. The primary focus of the meeting was the election of new Principal members to the legislative council, each responsible for upholding the values of the organization. The election process was meticulously conducted under the guidance of acting Speaker, Former Honourable Dibia Mac-Ernest. The results were as follows:

Chief Whip: Honourable Odunukan Damife secured victory with a commanding 8 votes, surpassing his opponent, Honourable Lawal Ridwan, who garnered a total of 4 votes.
Clerk: Honourable Owolabi Joshua triumphantly emerged as the newly elected Clerk with an undisputed 12 votes, leaving no room for a void vote.
Deputy Speaker: Honourable Elemide Daniel clinched the Deputy Speaker position with 6 votes, one void vote, overcoming the 5 votes secured by Honourable Okechukwu Victor.
Speaker: Honourable Igbaoreto Samuel Opeoluwa, a prominent figure in the Hall, achieved an overwhelming victory with a total of 12 votes, becoming the Speaker of the House.
The former Legislative Council of the 2022/2023 session was formally dissolved by the acting Speaker, Former Honourable Dibia Mac-Ernest, marking the transition to a new leadership era. Honourable Damife Odunukan, the newly appointed Chief Whip, took the podium to read the standing order to the freshly elected Honourable members. Subsequently, the Speaker, Honourable Igbaoreto Samuel, instructed the newly elected Clerk to disseminate the Standing Order among the group members, ensuring transparency and collaboration in governance.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn presented by Honourable Sotomee Daniel and seconded by Mr. Lawal Ridwan. As no counter motion was raised, the Speaker officially adjourned the sitting until further notice. This decision marks the anticipation of more productive sessions under the new leadership.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall legislative Council and Zik Hall Press org continue to emphasize the importance of open communication and cooperation among its members, as evidenced by the recent meeting’s proceedings. As the newly elected Principal members take their positions, the Hall anticipates a period of positive transformation and inclusive governance, upholding the values that have made it a cornerstone of community engagement and development.

ZIKHALL CONDUCTS FIRST TANK WASHING EXERCISE.

By Sailor.

The Nnamdi Azikwe Hall executive council in conjunction with the legislative council on Saturday 26th of August 2023 conducted the first of its regular tank washing exercises to start the new session.

With the school resumption already upon us, it comes as of now surprise as the regular activities that take place during the session have begun to take shape in preparation for the new semester. One of such activities is the tank washing exercise which is a regular event set aside to clean up the tanks and make sure that the students have clean and suitable water available to them for the new session.

In a chat with the Hall chairman, Hon. Uthman Adeniji (Yamburger), he had this to say about the importance of the programme;

“The thing is that we have to do it this early in the semester because the last time we did was last semester. I think we washed the Awba dam tanks twice last session and the tank is not in good condition, and I believe the sanitation will help Zikites before we all resume for the new session”.

In another chat with the hall’s health minister, Elisha Ajiboye, talks about the essence of the tank washing exercise. In his words, ” the tank wash is basically to make sure that the water that we are providing to students is actually in a good condition for the students”.

We also had a chat with one of the freshmen who came out in their large numbers to participate in the event. One of the respondents, Mark Ofuma, said he understands the importance of the events and is very excited to participate in the event.

The tank washing exercise is an annual exercise that takes place regularly in intervals within the school session, with the sole aim of providing clean and healthy water for the students residing in the hall.