Hygiene Crisis In Halls of Residence
By Prevail Otobo
The white man has always had the belief that the African man is a disgusting being, not just as a result of his personality, but because of his colour, black. Our forefathers had to live with the stigma, segregation and ostracization. In the United States, African Americans were forced to live in segregated neighbourhoods, often referred to as “slums” or “ghettos”. The ghettos, as the name implies, don't sound so enticing. It is usually characterised by poor living conditions, overcrowding, pollution, litter and everything else you could think of. I doubt our imaginations can fully grasp the deplorable living conditions of that time.
Over the years, Africans have been able to live above the name of their former reputation, proving to all who saw nothing befitting in them, all thanks to civilisation and education. But then, it looks like we have not forgotten our old ways. Subtly, yet noticeably, we have started reverting back to what we left behind.
The state of hygiene in most halls of residence is one that has everyone talking. It is either you are being welcomed by the sweet fragrance of toilet smell from Zik, on your way to Queen Idia Hall or the overgrown grasses in some halls of residence that now houses creepy reptiles. Which one are we to talk about? Is it the state of some kitchens or the ocean that awaits you at the entrance of some toilets and bathrooms in Queens Hall.
Generally, hostels are meant to function as a comfort zone and second home to students, offering them a place to live, rest and unwind. Unfortunately, there has been a massive and deteriorating inefficiency in the sustenance of a healthy environment for students to live in. This often leads to discomfort and the acquisition of various infections and diseases if not controlled. Both genders have been victims of this.
Ensuring good hostel hygiene entails maintaining a clean, healthy environment for students. It is quite disheartening to see that poor sanitation and unhygienic practices are being normalised in our spaces. Most hostels are now victims of overflowing waste bins, poorly maintained drainage systems clogged with waste, miasma from poorly constructed pit tanks, overgrown bushes, dirty tanks and littered hallways. The effects of unhygienic surroundings affect students in innumerable ways, from skin infections and irritation to toilet infections, it can also affect the mental well-being of students as they are not comfortable in their own space, no student is expected to function maximally in a dirty environment.
Although this is a fast-rising issue, it can be managed properly. Firstly, the hostel management should adopt stricter measures to secure a clean and hygienic space for students and cleaners should be employed with the sole responsibility of initiating clean and dirt-free surroundings. Also, the activities and performances of the cleaners should be thoroughly supervised to ensure that everything is in order. Dust bins should be strategically placed, to make it easier for students to practice proper waste disposal and it should be taken out frequently to prevent them from piling up and overflowing. Additionally, the bathroom and toilet facilities should be washed and cleaned, if possible daily, since it is being shared by multiple individuals. It is also very essential to clear off bushes and grasses, this can retard the spread of insects like mosquitoes and other animals that can pose a threat to students.
The subsequent measure that needs to be adopted fully depends on us, the students. I say this with a whole lot of concerns.Why are people’s looks so deceiving? I mean, why go outside deceiving people with your looks when your living space tells an entirely different story. It is an anomaly to hear that the toilet was not flushed after use or the sanitary pad was not properly discarded. Only someone that is not sane can do that right! We must understand the importance of personal hygiene. Let your appearance be seen both in and out.
We must learn to take intentional steps to make our environment a cleaner and more convenient space for us all. Say no to littering!!!Even if it is just the tiniest piece of paper, do NOT throw it on the floor, discard it at the nearest waste bin to you. Do not pile up dirty plates, and clothes, as these lead to the omission of foul odours and attraction of rodents and insects, you are not the only occupant in the room, please.
Also, the Health ministers of each hall of residence should work hand in hand with the hall’s cleaners and students to ensure a clean environment.
While all these apply to our surroundings, good hygiene in our rooms is vital as well, since hostel rooms serve as study corners and resting spaces. Cleanliness directly influences our comfort and productivity. When rooms are poorly ventilated, dusty, dirty and congested, they pose various health risks and problems. As students, it is entirely up to us to create a clean and germ-free space.
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