SURVIVING THE JUNGLE: THE HARSH REALITIES OF LASU STUDENTS IN PPL

For many Lagos State University (LASU) students, living off-campus is not a choice but a necessity. With limited on-campus accommodations, students have no option but to seek housing in various host communities around the university, ranging from Post-Service, Iyana-Iba, and PPL to First Gate, Agboroko, and Igbo-Elerin. However, this article focuses primarily on the living conditions of LASU students residing in PPL.

PPL, also known among the student populace as the “Poor People’s Land,” has often been compared to the O-Block of Chicago. Gang violence reigns supreme, and the frequent shootings leave residents with no choice but to scamper for safety to avoid becoming the next lifeless body on the street.

Just as the kingdom of God suffereth violence, PPL is a place where you struggle daily to survive and see another sunrise. Being the immediate host community of the university, PPL has its fair share of urban legends. Generations of students who have matriculated and convocated from LASU often share tales of the area’s violent past with new intakes, leading many to believe that the community is a gateway to hell. While there are grains of truth in these tales, the stories are often exaggerated. Still, we raise our voices: JUSTICE FOR PPL!

General Living Conditions

The living conditions in PPL vary depending on the specific area. The outer parts, such as Jagun—often dubbed the Victoria Garden City of PPL—feature decent building structures and passable road networks. If not for the annual flooding due to poorly constructed drainage systems, these parts could be considered relatively conducive for the average human. However, the inner areas of PPL are a different story. These areas are plagued by dilapidated buildings, inaccessible roads, foul air, inadequate drainage, and an ever-present sense of danger.

Students face numerous challenges in PPL, with inadequate security topping the list. There is also a severe lack of social amenities like clean water, electricity, and proper waste disposal. The water is hard and undrinkable, and electricity supply is erratic, forcing students to ration the use of mobile and electronic gadgets. Waste litters the environment, further clogging the already dysfunctional drainage system and worsening the flooding during the rainy season. No one should have to endure such conditions, yet this is the harsh reality for PPL residents.

Cost, Affordability, and Proximity

One reason many students choose to live in PPL is the affordability. Compared to other surrounding communities, PPL offers the lowest accommodation costs. However, its affordability places it at the bottom of the list of preferred student housing areas. There are divided opinions on whether students get value for their money. Some argue that with cheap rent, one should not expect high standards. Others believe that cost should not dictate the basic quality of living.

In an interview, Oyebode Josiah, a 300-level Accounting student from the Faculty of Management Sciences, said, “Students should get value for their money but should not be expectant of luxury as being too comfortable makes one lose focus in the long run.” His point is that the primary reason for being in school is to get an education, not to live in luxury. However, when discomfort reaches unbearable levels, it jeopardizes the purpose of being there in the first place.

Another reason for choosing PPL is its proximity to campus. It is located directly behind the university, saving students the stress and cost of early morning transportation. Returning to their hostels after long academic days is also more convenient.

Security and Safety

Security remains a major concern in PPL. Students frequently report theft and harassment, especially at night, mostly in the inner parts of the community. The lack of proper street lighting and minimal police presence create an unsafe environment for students returning from night classes. Gunshots are a common sound, and students are left guessing whether they’re from the police or rival gangs.

Sangosanya Awwal, a 300-level Law student, shared that he never feels safe, especially at night. To lessen his anxiety, he always moves in a group for a sense of protection.

Bakare Samiat, a 200-level Arts student, recounted her experience with armed robbery. With tears in her eyes, she narrated how her phone was taken at gunpoint just two weeks after securing accommodation in PPL. Her calls for help went unanswered, as potential helpers feared for their own lives. Samiat trembled while recounting the incident, a clear sign of the trauma she endured.

It is evident that PPL’s biggest challenge is its porous security. Law enforcement must rise to the task of reducing and ultimately eradicating crime in the area.

Social and Academic Impact

PPL is notorious for its noisy environment where peace and calm are elusive. While the social vibrancy may be a plus for some, it does little to support academic excellence.

Ajao Emmanuel, a 100-level Science student, revealed that he often studies at 2 a.m. while trying to block out the loud music from nearby beer parlors. When asked how living in PPL has affected his mental well-being, he said, “There are times when I think I will go crazy from seeing the things happening around me. It all feels so strange to me, having bullets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I can’t just wait for my rent to be due so I can leave this environment for good.”

PPL has become a battlefield where students struggle daily for survival, praying that each day won’t be their last. The insecurity, poor infrastructure, and absence of basic amenities paint a bleak picture of student life.

Stakeholders—including the government, university administration, and community leaders—must urgently intervene to improve conditions in PPL. Security enhancements, efficient waste management, better road networks, and stable water and electricity supply should be prioritized. The journey to getting an education should not be so difficult that it leaves students regretting their choice. Rather, the environment should uplift and empower them to achieve their dreams.

The school management must push for these issues to be addressed by relevant authorities. Great leaders are nurtured in great environments—but PPL is far from that. Like we always say, WE ARE LASU. WE ARE GREAT.