Kehinde Fafure
On Saturday, 3rd May, 2025, In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of pest infestation in university hostels, Pest Insight an initiative by SB fumigation services in collaboration with the Council of Health Ministers of Halls of Residence, University of Ibadan, organized a sensitization program for students themed “Pest Insight For Schools- Identifying and Managing Bedbugs on Campus.”
The event, which held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Junior Common Room (JCR) aimed to equip students with effective methods to prevent and eradicate bedbugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other pests.
In attendance were students from halls of residence including Bello, Kuti, Queens, Awo, Indy and Zik, who were empowered with practical knowledge on how to tackle pest infestations, and to further support their efforts, pesticides were distributed to participants free of charge.
In a chat with Zik Press, Aduragbemi Kenny, the health minister of Zik said that the purpose of the Pest Control Education Program was to educate students specifically on the pressing issue of bedbug infestation on campus.
In his words, "This program aims to empower students to play their part in managing and controlling bedbugs, while also encouraging the university management to take proactive steps in eradicating the infestation that has plagued the university community, affecting students' mental health, academic performance, and physical well-being."
The university management's role involves changing their approach to handling bedbug infestation. Instead of relying solely on seasonal fumigation, they should organize pest control seminars to educate students and consult more experts on appropriate fumigation and pest control methods. We've discovered that most of the chemicals students use in controlling bedbugs are agro-based chemicals, which are intended for agricultural use, not residential areas or hostels and these bedbugs have created resistance against it. Public health chemical products, specifically designed for residential use, would be more suitable. Experts who understand the difference between agro-based and public health chemicals can provide valuable guidance."
"By identifying the source of the problem and applying targeted treatment, we can effectively address bedbug infestation on campus. Merely complaining about the issue won't resolve it; informed action is necessary," he concluded.
