The Great Ife Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has released an open address concerning the lingering issues around accommodation in the Halls of Residence. The statement, issued by the Central Executive Council, was signed by the Union President, Secretary-General, and Public Relations Officer, and sent to The Nigeria Education News.
According to the Union, the delay in communication was deliberate, as officers sought to gather concrete information to avoid misinformation and ensure transparency. Union leaders engaged in extensive consultations with university authorities over the past week before reaching resolutions aimed at safeguarding the welfare of students.
The Students’ Union emphasized that the accommodation challenges mainly affect students whose academic programs extend beyond the usual sessional calendar, particularly those in SWEP, SIWES, ICAN-related engagements, and faculties such as Technology, Computing Sciences, and Environmental Design and Management (EDM).
For SWEP students in the Faculties of Technology, Computing Sciences, and EDM, a compromise has been reached. The Union revealed that further communication would be relayed through faculty leaders, ensuring direct and clear dissemination of details.
Similarly, ICAN students are not left out. The Union confirmed that compromises have also been reached with university authorities on their accommodation situation. Details will also be passed down through their respective faculty leaders to avoid confusion.
However, the matter concerning students in EDM is still under negotiation. The Union admitted that no definite conclusion has yet been made, but assured students that discussions with the relevant university authorities remain ongoing and will be pursued with commitment.
In the case of SIWES students in Science, Technology, Computing, and EDM faculties who are undergoing industrial training on campus, the Union advised that students whose programs end this month should directly reach out to the Office of the President for further directives.
The Union also addressed the concerns of other legitimate occupants of the Halls of Residence whose stay is not directly tied to academic programs. Initially, they were asked to pay ₦10,000 to extend their stay. After negotiations, however, the Union secured a reduction to ₦8,000, providing some relief for the affected students.
For other peculiar cases not expressly mentioned in the release, the Union encouraged students to reach out for clarity and personalized guidance. This, according to the statement, is to ensure that no student is left behind in the accommodation resolution process.
Acknowledging the anxiety caused by the delay in issuing directives, the Union apologized to its members. The leaders explained that communication was withheld earlier only to prevent misinformation, stressing that their actions were driven by responsibility and accountability.
Reaffirming its stance, the Great Ife Students’ Union declared its unwavering commitment to the welfare of students. The Union vowed to continue pressing negotiations with university management to ensure that the best interests of students remain protected.
Signed by Adelani David Oluwatodimu (Itabi), President; Habeeb Oke Isa (Opeyemi), Secretary-General; and Oreoluwa Joseph Olowosile (Wà á là), Public Relations Officer, the release closed with the famous Union slogan: Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta.
