Students at the Kwara State College of Health and Technology in Offa have raised serious concerns about the acute shortage of classrooms, which they say is hindering academic activities and affecting learning outcomes. When The Nigeria Education News visited the campus earlier this week, several students expressed frustration over what they described as a growing population being matched with insufficient infrastructure.
Speaking with our correspondent, students from various departments noted that lecture halls are often overcrowded, particularly during general or shared classes. One student from the Environmental Health Department lamented that “more than half of the class usually stand outside or sit on the window edges,” adding that it becomes “almost impossible to hear what the lecturer is saying.”
Another student, a National Diploma (ND II) student from the Health Information Management Department, confirmed that overcrowding is a daily reality, especially during combined classes. “We come early, but still, by the time lectures start, you see people standing by the doors or even outside trying to catch whatever they can hear,” she said.
Efforts by The Nigeria Education News to reach the Dean of Student Affairs for official comments were unsuccessful as he was said to be away on official assignment. A staff member, who preferred anonymity, noted that the situation has been ongoing and worsened with recent admissions. “The school is doing what it can, but we’ve not had any major infrastructure expansion in recent years despite growing intake,” the source said.
Over the past few sessions, the college has seen an increase in enrolment, particularly in courses like Public Health, Environmental Health, and Health Information Management. While this reflects growing demand for health-related education, the infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace, leaving both students and lecturers in difficult situations.
A student from the Medical Laboratory Technician department explained that this issue affects not just lecture absorption but also assessment performance. “When you’re standing for two hours and straining to hear, how do you properly understand or write exams based on what was taught?” she queried. Some students also pointed out that the limited space forces lecturers to rush their classes or split groups, which creates inconsistencies in learning.
While the institution’s management is reportedly aware of the problem, students say they have yet to see any tangible steps being taken to resolve it. “We hear promises,” one student said, “but we are still here struggling every day to find a seat or even hear what is being taught.” Some have called on the Kwara State Government and relevant education agencies to intervene before the situation worsens.
Stakeholders believe that beyond erecting new structures, the college must also rethink its admission policy to match capacity. Others suggest temporary solutions like using tents or community halls for large lectures while awaiting more permanent structures.
As at the time of filing this report, lectures were ongoing under visibly crowded conditions. The Nigeria Education News will continue to monitor developments and seek a formal response from the college authorities in subsequent visits.
