One thing about the human society is that there will always be issues. In fact, it seems as if life is like a never ending cycle of sorting out one problem after the order, almost as if having issues is the basis of our existence. But then, it is the problems and challenges that we face that give us the opportunity to look inside and figure out novel ways to survive. Just like Austrian–British philosopher, academic and social commentator, Karl Popper named his book, all life is problem solving.
In these parts of the world, however, we tend to ignore our issues and try to see how much we can adapt to them. We try to fall in love with our issues to see if they go away. This is why we take one thousand steps and remain in the same spot. When we leave our issues unaddressed for too long, it becomes even more complicated to solve. Practical instances of this can be seen in our nation, in our school, in our dear student union, and in our beloved Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall. But for now, emphasis will remain on the Baluba Kingdom. The Fabiyi Damilare-led administration introduced the NEEDS assessment document to track the development of the hall. This way, successive administrations will know what to focus on and what to move on from. Sadly, this well-laid plan has not guaranteed its own successful execution.
The government's abysmal handling of the subject of quality education has resulted in the weakening of our federal and state institutions' ability to effectively provide the needed quality to the students. Authorities, bodies and institutions that could be contributing more to the hall are further incapacitated by economic and financial handicaps. Meanwhile, students are left to chase the sophistication of the 21st century with resources from the dark ages. In Zik Hall, the issues are constant. Not much heed is paid to them anymore; it just seems like everyone has accepted it as their reality.
First and foremost is probably the issue of water supply. A random count of the number of water tanks in Zik Hall shows that Zik has nothing less than 30 tanks, but unfortunately only about 10 of those constantly supply water. The word "constantly" used in this case is a farce given the fact that the water in these tanks finish within three hours of light being taken. Many a Zikite has turned his own skin into secondhand or rubber footwear—rub and shine. With the number of tanks in the hall, water supply obviously shouldn't be a problem, but the population has overpowered the facilities. On days where there is no light or when there are pumping issues, Zikites have to go as far as Jaja clinic to get water.
There is also the problem of poor facilities. At this point, it would appear that the only thing holding Zik Hall facilities together is the spirit of oneness, togetherness and brotherhood. In the past two sessions, Zik Hall has seen several renovation efforts. The porters' lodge was rebuilt, toilet doors were replaced, window nets were repaired, and the JCR was refurbished. However, there still lie other issues because no matter how fast Zik Hall chases, the conditions are always comparably better in other halls of residence. We have clogged toilet drains, clogged gutters, and plumbing problems on some floors. As stated earlier, issues that could have resolved long ago have endured and become more complicated.
Another issue we are dealing with is the issue of poor waste disposal. Aside from the fact that Zik hall cleaners are overworked, constantly sweeping, scrubbing, washing and scrubbing more than their numbers can efficiently handle, there is also the issue of the waste being properly disposed of. Ordinarily, the waste collection site is the one in front of C block, a location that poses great health risks to the residents. Here the waste accumulates until it starts smelling. It is only then that the school waste management team comes to pack it. In spite of this, the cleaners sometimes take the liberty of emptying their refuse close to Zik Bridge; other vendors choose to burn it, consequently polluting the surroundings of the hall.
Similarly, Zik Hall suffers from a problem of overgrown weeds. Of all halls of residence in UI, Zik Hall is the only one that seems to be dealing with this issue. Granted that the other halls of residence don't even have this amount of space, it is still rather sad for weeds to have to grow to knee length before they are cut off. This problem raises concerns about snakes and other venomous animals thriving within the surroundings of the hall, potentially endangering the lives of the occupants of the hall. There is also the issue of security. It would sound atrocious to say Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall is not safe. But recent events have testified to this fact. The risk of having one's stuff stolen is something that Zikites have embraced, a situation that should not be so. It is sad to note that how helpless students are in this situation.
At the crux of all our issues in Zik Hall lies the apathetic nature of the hall's residents. Ordinarily, apathy indicates an unwillingness to participate in political activities, but in Zik Hall, our own undoing is our unwillingness to adequately understand the political activities we are involved in and to demand things to improve from our executives and from the school. No matter how dire the situation seems, part of the responsibility for improving it also falls on us. But then, on average, we spend most of our time trying to provide justification for our brothers even when their actions are obviously not moving us forward. We tolerate nonsense in the name of promoting Zikism and protecting the hall's image when the actual reality is that we are suffering and everyone knows it.
These issues have the potential of decaying even further; timely intervention must be made to prevent that from happening.
