Hostel Scarcity and Insecurity: The Security Struggles of Students Living off Campus

 

Picture credit: Wikimedia Commons

By Ifejesu Aderibigbe

When the new academic session began, I once encountered a 200 level student who was still coming from home during the 4th week of resumption. Her reason was that she was waiting for the last list of her hostel’s accommodations to be released, so, in response to that, each day, she had to come all the way from her home to school. 

Ever wondered why, despite the school calendar being in full swing with lectures from 8am to 5pm, we still have students coming from their various homes while still waiting for that very last list to be released? Having conversed with various students from different halls, there are diverse reasons why students prefer to resume school even at the 6th week in a semester of 11 weeks. This is the dilemma that many University of Ibadan students have to face. The student environment, proximity to lecture theatres, a close to a good light supply and most importantly security are reasons why students prefer to stay on campus. Freshers and finalists are guaranteed a room in their respective halls of residence as stated by the University in the student handbook but that fate is not assured to stalites as it is believed that the hall is not reserved for them.

According to an article published by infostatistics in 2023, 31% of female students in the University of Ibadan are accommodated in the female halls of residence and 41% of male students are accommodated in the male halls of residence. That is, barely half of the student body is accommodated in the school halls. Thereby leaving students with just 2 options, private hostels or off-campus. But many of these students find private hostels too expensive. Due to the proximity of Agbowo to UI, most students prefer to reside there. However, the experience of students living there in terms of safety is questionable.

According to an editorial article published on November 20, 2024 by Indy Hall press titled "Tackling UI Quality Accommodation Deficit.” "Agbowo, a popular off-campus destination, has earned notoriety for its insecurity, with recent incidents including a fatal shooting." This article sheds a broader light on the state of student accommodation in the University of Ibadan.  

  

Speaking with Queens Hall press, some students shared their view and experience in Agbowo. But for the sake of anonymity, their real names will not be mentioned in this article. 

In an interview with TJ, a 200 level student from the Faculty of Arts, she explained some of the challenges she faced concerning her accommodation.

"I faced a lot of struggles and challenges looking for accommodation. I had to spend 2,000 naira everyday to come to school for classes for up to like 4 weeks." 

She further explained the challenges of off-campus that restricted her from staying in Agbowo. 

"My mummy was scared of the fact that Agbowo may not be fully secured. And you know Agbowo is very big and there are plenty of corners. So, insecurity was one of the reasons why we did not want to go there. That is why my mum was scared that Agbowo is not a safe place." 

Another student from the Faculty of Education explained the harrowing experience he faced concerning accommodation, during his second year.

"After 100lvl, it has always been a struggle securing accomodation in school hostels. I particularly remember 200lvl, the first time we had to start lobbying for accomodation. We thought it was the well behaved students who would be given accommodation slots. We were told to simply submit the necessary files and wait for the list to come out, we never knew connection was needed. When all the waves of lists came out and I couldn't find my name, I had to start seeking accommodation off campus. I was disappointed with the agent I met with. His advert says the accommodation is 6mins walk to UI gate only for me to find it at least 35mins walk. Unfortunately, I came to understand dishonesty is the norm with housing agents. Due to the distance and the unsatisfactory conditions of the accommodation options I was shown, coupled with light issues, because UI light didn't blink back then, compared to Agbowo light, I had to opt out."

He also told the Press how he was fortunate enough to meet someone who had secured a room in his hostel, but had to relinquish it for some personal reasons. According to him, they met with the Hall Warden, who helped legitimize the process. Through that, he was able to secure an accommodation on campus.  

A resident of Agbowo whose friend has had a taste of the bitter side of Agbowo shared her ordeal in an interview with the press.

"It was during exam period and she brought one of her friends to her place. They were reading overnight till 4am. They now decided to charge and sleep a little bit before day break. Between the hours of 4am and 6am, their net was cut and their phones were stolen."

This shows how unsafe it is for students to place their phones in their comfort zone without the fear of thieves. 

In an interview with Dara, a 300 level student, she told the press how the idea of going to agbowo was disregarded by her family amidst the accommodation conundrum even after getting a room at the 7th week.

“For this present level, I have never been delayed in getting a room. I always want to stay on campus and will still want to stay on campus. After a friend of mine in 100 level told me about her ordeal and what she faced in agbowo, though she is still there, I didn’t want to stay there. Though the light is an issue but security is also another major issue”

Many other students that reside in Agbowo have been victims of the unfortunate act of theft, which now leave students in a dilemma of choosing between enduring off-campus struggles or an almost endless wait for the last accommodation list that is released almost at the middle of the semester with little hope of being enlisted. A student environment should be one that fosters learning. Having to keep your eyes wide open at night or constantly looking for the most secure place to keep your phones place students at the verge of a mental breakdown . The need for more halls of residence, especially female hostels needs to be reviewed by the school management. In addition, the release of hostel lists should be better coordinated and done in a timely manner as this would give students time to plan ahead.  

While agbowo campus might not be under the school management, it is expedient that Uites staying there should take the necessary safety measures to avoid any form of ordeal and that a thorough assessment of the environment should be taken to ensure their safety when looking for accommodation.