By Robiat Oladele
The old man who can now only munch on soft meat with a mouth which once cracked bones is a concept not alien to folklore. This proverbial man can be imagined as a symbol of how age-old institutions in Nigeria are often left with edifices that once boasted renown in days gone by but now stand for decline with the lack of good maintenance. A significant percentage of facilities at the University of Ibadan are like this, in a sorry state. Some lecture halls are overcrowded, with students often standing or sitting on window sills due to a lack of seats. Basic utilities like water and electricity are unreliable, and communal facilities are frequently in disrepair. Students are dissatisfied with the current state of facilities, which is no wonder, given the current conditions. Imagine trying to focus on your studies when you’re uncomfortable or distracted by the surroundings. This raises questions about the impact of these conditions on the learning environment and student experience. The combination of overcrowding, inadequate resources, and poor maintenance creates a challenging environment for students to thrive.
Faculty of Education: A New Building Amidst Old Challenges
The Faculty of Education’s facilities are a mixed bag. The old complex is showing its age, with worn-out lecture halls, inadequate seating, and equipment that’s past its prime. It’s been a while since they’ve had a major renovation, so it’s no surprise they’re feeling the strain. On the other hand, the new annexe building, which was commissioned in July 2023, is a step up. It has 71 offices and 11 lecture theatres, including some great facilities for students with special needs. But despite being relatively new, it’s already starting to show some wear and tear. There are reports of leaky faucets, faulty air conditioning, and other maintenance issues. Both complexes need some frequent maintenance to keep them running smoothly. With student numbers growing, it’s more important than ever that the faculty’s infrastructure gets the attention it needs.
Faculty of Arts: Facilities in Need of Attention
Facilities at the Faculty of Art are facing significant challenges, with both the new complex and the main faculty building requiring urgent attention. The six-storey new complex, which was unveiled in 2018 as a modern solution to the faculty’s space constraints, has unfortunately fallen into disrepair. A non-functional elevator, damaged stair railings, and leaking roofs pose safety risks that can hinder learning, creating an environment that is far from ideal for academic pursuits. For instance, students have reported difficulties accessing upper floors due to the inaccessibility of the elevator, and the leaking roofs have resulted in water damage to equipment and furniture. Meanwhile, the main faculty building is also struggling with outdated infrastructure, including old lecture halls and inadequate facilities. The lecture halls are often poorly ventilated, and the seating arrangements are uncomfortable, making it difficult for students to focus during classes. Furthermore, the faculty’s equipment, such as projectors and audio-visual aids, frequently malfunctions, disrupting the learning process. Students have reported broken seats, faulty whiteboards, and inadequate lighting in various classrooms, which can be frustrating and demotivating.
Renovation Efforts: A Closer Look
The university’s renovation efforts are a good start, but some challenges need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of a comprehensive maintenance plan. Without one, repairs and upgrades are often done in a piecemeal way, which can be inefficient and waste resources. For instance, fixing a leaky roof might require multiple teams and departments to get involved, leading to delays and added costs. Funding is another problem; the university doesn’t have enough of it, and relying on external sources such as TETFUND can be unpredictable. This makes it hard to plan for the long term, as the university can’t guarantee when or if funds will be available. Bureaucratic delays also slow things down, which can be frustrating for everyone involved. Delays in approval processes, procurement, and project implementation can hinder the university’s ability to respond to emerging needs and make timely improvements to its facilities. To make a real difference, the university needs to take a more strategic approach to managing its facilities. This means prioritising regular maintenance, finding stable funding sources, and streamlining the project management process. By doing so, the university can ensure its facilities are safe, functional, and support the academic community’s needs. With a more coordinated approach, the university can also improve the overall learning environment, enhance student satisfaction, and boost academic performance. Ultimately, investing in the university’s infrastructure is essential for its long-term success and reputation.
The state of infrastructure at the University of Ibadan’s Faculties of Arts and Education is a reminder that learning thrives only in environments that support it. Without consistent maintenance and sustainable planning, new buildings quickly lose their shine and old ones fall deeper into decay. If the university is to maintain its reputation as Nigeria’s premier institution, deliberate investment in maintenance—not just construction—must be prioritised. Students deserve safe, functional spaces that inspire learning, not facilities that frustrate it.
