By Fathiu Jimoh
It was a typical evening at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), around 6:30 PM. After a grueling marathon lecture, Abdullahi Aisha, a 200-level English student, headed to a classroom, hoping to get some reading done before returning to her hostel. As was her daily routine.However, for many students finding a conducive environment is a nightly struggle.
Aisha’s routine often involves a frustrating search for a suitable study spot.
“The class is always dark when there’s no light, and mosquitoes will buzz and swarm, she lamented, describing the conditions that frequently drive her from one classroom to another. Her fear of contracting malaria from the pervasive mosquitoes is a constant concern.
Despite the availability of classrooms, many students, including Aisha, are forced to seek alternatives due to the deplorable conditions. The lack of proper lighting, functioning fans, comfortable chairs, and clean tables makes studying in most classrooms unbearable at night.
“Some people have resorted to using the outside to read, especially when exams are coming, as an alternative to the class due to the deplorable condition of the class facilities,” Aisha added.
Beyond the lack of light, these facilities are often devoid of functional fans, comfortable chairs, and sturdy tables, with general untidiness making them unbearable. “Some students have resorted to using the outside to read, especially when exams are approaching, as an alternative to the class due to the deplorable condition of the class facilities,” Aisha added.
“The lack of proper maintenance, materials, and equipment has exacerbated the problem. A 65 is one of the most heavily utilized class at UDUS, serving departments such as Arabic, Islamic Studies, English and Literary Studies, and Linguistics, all under the Faculty of Arts. Located on the main campus and regulated by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, it boasts impressive structural facilities, including over 64 seating arrangements and numerous toilets. Yet, its utility is severely hampered by these basic deficiencies.
Like Aisha like Abdulmalim Abdulmalim, a 200-level Islamic Studies student.
“Most classes, apart from PTF, are always dark and not conducive to reading when there’s no light. If I want to read at night in classes when there’s no light, I’ll always go under the solar too many mosquitoes won’t bite me, and I’ll get some fresh air,” he explained. He also emphasized that classroom maintenance is a shared responsibility, extending beyond the CTC EXCOS to include students themselves. “Even if the committee provides necessary services, some students will still misuse the facilities,” he pointed out.
Ridwanny Isaq, a 300-level Islamic Studies student,vowed _ “I can never read in class at night, no matter how tough the course is. I’m not safe in class either. Highlighted specific issues in classrooms like A10 and B09. “In these classes, there’s only one globe, and it’s near the toilet. I don’t think there are fans. Not only does these classes accommodates mosquitoes, they also serves as playground for insects too. In fact, if there’s light, I prefer to read outside.
Abdulmumeen Maimunah, a 300-level Pure Agriculture student. She stressed that reading in classes has caused her to visit the school clinic, chemistry shops, and pharmacies countless times which to her it is not proper as it is due to the poor maintenance in some classes and light on campus.
According to a paper presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 22, 2024, high mosquito populations can lead to various diseases that are difficult to treat, including cholera, malaria, and typhoid. A study by Biomedical Central further indicates that inadequate malaria control can severely impact public health, contributing to an increase in infectious diseases.
CTC Responds
In an interview with The News Digest, N.Y. Sheu, a 500-level law student and the CTC Chairman, addressed the measures taken by his committee.
“We’ve done many things, and they’ve been addressed, but something always falls apart,” Sheu explained. “We’ve visited most of these classes and done our part, except when another one is broken or removed by students. There’s no class without globes, lights, and fans.