During a recent weekend visit to the sprawling campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, The Nigeria Education News team observed a compelling mix of student lifestyles, ranging from focused academic engagement to carefree social indulgences, some of which raise serious questions for the university’s management. The aim of the visit was to document how students across various hostels and recreational zones spend their weekends—what we found was both fascinating and worrying.
While some students remained in their rooms at iconic hostels like FAJ, Awo, Moremi, and Mozambique to catch up on academics and assignments, others took to the sports complex for spirited games of football and volleyball. Several students at Moremi Hostel told our team that weekends are a time to rest and read, especially with the pressure of continuous assessments and demanding lectures. “Weekend is the only time I can focus on my books without being disturbed by class schedules,” said Rukayat, a 300-level student of Law.
But a few hundred meters away from these pockets of studious calm was a different scene altogether. At the university’s sports complex, dozens of students were seen playing football, some clad in branded departmental jerseys. The open-air field echoed with cheers and competitive energy, offering a glimpse of the stress-relieving value of weekend sports. “This is where we release our tension,” said Tolu, a 200-level student from the Faculty of Social Sciences. “We play here every Saturday afternoon/evening—it’s our own version of therapy.”
However, the swimming pool area, situated near the same complex, hosted a far more controversial activity. Our team was shocked to witness several students engaging in what could only be described as erotic water play—male and female students, locked in intimate body contact, played what some onlookers called “husband and wife” inside the water. No university staff, security personnel, or sport officials were seen monitoring the situation.
“We come here to unwind,” said a male student who requested anonymity, holding a female companion in his arms as she laughed. “What we’re doing isn’t hurting anyone.” But many bystanders and even some students within the pool expressed concern. “This is a university environment,” said Mojisola, a 400-level student of Education. “There should be boundaries. Where are the campus marshals?”
Interestingly, not all students at the sports complex were caught up in leisure or questionable romance. Just behind the spectator stands, another group of students was seen holding a fervent prayer session. With hands raised, voices lifted, and a Bible in hand, the group of about fifteen worshippers called on divine assistance for academic success and personal breakthroughs. “We fast and pray here every weekend,” said James, the leader of the group, who identified himself as a 500-level student of Civil Engineering. “It’s a spiritual sanctuary for us.”
As evening approached, loud music erupted from various corners of the campus—signalling the beginning of weekend parties. Some were birthday celebrations, others appeared to be departmental social events. Behind the Moremi Hostel, a group of students were dancing to afrobeat music, red disposable cups in hand. “This is what weekends are for—fun, dance, and vibes,” said Cynthia, a 300-level student from the Department of Dramatic Arts.
The Nigeria Education News team also visited Mozambique Hall, popularly known as “Moz.” There, a number of students were seen clustered in reading groups and tutorial sessions. “Weekends give us time to help each other academically,” said Abdulrasheed, a 200-level Chemistry student. “We cover what we missed during the week.”
In Fajuyi Hall (FAJ), the vibe was mixed. Some students were relaxing indoors, watching movies or playing video games. Others were seen preparing to go out. “We either attend off-campus events or hang around the sport complex,” said Jerry, a student from the Faculty of Arts. “But some of the things people do at the pool are embarrassing. The school needs to check it.”
Concerns over the lack of supervision in certain areas of the campus were echoed by multiple students. “During exams, they send marshals to inspect reading rooms and lecture halls. Why can’t they do the same for recreation zones?” asked Yetunde, a resident of Awo Hall. “You can’t allow students to turn the swimming pool into a soft porn set.”
Though the university encourages a healthy balance between academics and recreation, many believe that certain activities should not be condoned in a public university space. “Partying is fine, football is okay, prayer meetings are great. But some things cross the line,” said a postgraduate student who witnessed the pool scene. “There should be clear rules.”
Calls are now growing for the university management to pay more attention to the weekend activities of students. “We’re not asking for military control,” said Tolu, the footballer. “Just supervision and accountability. The pool needs lifeguards and maybe even a code of conduct.”
When contacted, a non-academic staff member who declined to be named admitted that weekend monitoring was often minimal due to manpower issues. “Students are adults, yes, but we need more oversight. Some of these behaviours can spiral into scandal,” he said.
Obafemi Awolowo University remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions. But as this weekend survey reveals, balancing student freedom with responsible behaviour is a challenge that must be managed before it becomes a full-blown crisis. The university’s serene environment should not become a free-for-all zone of unregulated behaviour.
