Idowu Araoluwa, Editor, LASU Conscience
It is that time of the year again—the rainy season—when everywhere seems uncomfortable, and sometimes unbearable to most students.
In recent times, it has been observed that Lasuites who live in major areas such as PPL, Ipaye, Igboelerin, and other undeveloped areas are usually in distress during the rainy season due to the severe consequences of heavy downpours.
It is unarguable that the average Nigerian; if not all, prefer the rainy season to days when the sun is out in the sky, scorching and almost life-threatening. But sadly, this preference does not apply to most Lasuites, who are usually disturbed by heavy flooding due to bad roads and stagnant drainage systems whenever it rains.
There have been many cases of students who have vacated their hostels, gotten their properties vandalized, and risked their lives journeying to school in a flooded environment. This issue has raised many concerns over the years, yet it seems the story continues to play out year in-year out.
A student, while being interviewed, mentioned the major effect that rainy seasons have on her, as a resident of PPL. “My compound is usually flooded whenever rain falls and we have to dip our legs in it (water) to enter our hostel and walk on the road too,” She said.
“The stench that emanates from the stagnant gutters also breeds mosquitoes,” She added.
Once again, we are in that season that raises anxiety in the hearts of students who know the struggles they face when it rains. For some, arrangements have been made to squat with friends through the season, but some are left with no choice but to live through this sad reality daily.
Those who squat with friends or maybe acquaintances are not so sure of their safety; no one can be trusted; while those who face it are facing it badly. So much can be said about the adverse effects of the season on the student body, and it is that moment of solemn reflection on what can be done to ease the struggle.
Adeniyi Oyinkansola, a 300 level Mass Communication student shares her experience as a resident of PPL. “Rainy seasons are usually challenging for me due to the bad drainage system, and sometimes, it is impossible for me to go out.” She said, “I’m usually scared to step out because the flood covers the entire road and it increases the risk of injuries,” She said.
Another student who lives at Peace estate, First gate, mentioned that her compound gets flooded during the season, which is usually discomforting for her. “Commuting to school is usually expensive due to the hike in transportation fare,” she added. She also mentioned the struggle that she, amongst other students living in the area, face as they try to journey to school daily, during this season.
To battle this issue, the school needs to play a better role with the communities where students facing these issues reside. This is to say that the school needs to advocate for these communities to construct proper drainage systems and dispose of their waste properly, because even this is a major problem.
While this is going on, the students, who are unfortunately at the receiving end need survival skills, such as being responsible for their environments too, by disposing of their waste properly and educating community members to do the same.
We understand that the solution to this issue is not entirely in the hands of the students nor the University, as we are fully aware that it is the responsibility of the government to fix bad roads and ensure proper construction of drainages—students, while scouting for hostels, should be on the lookout for houses with better roads, well-constructed drainages, and environments that are not easily affected by heavy downpours.
It is highly advisable for students especially freshers to intentionally check out the surroundings of the apartment. The rainy season is one of the best times to scout for houses. This can be a way of avoiding the overwhelming consequences of an unconducive environment.
However, for students who have found themselves in this situation, the encouragement is to strive to adhere to the above-stated precautions and coping skills. Further coping skills include walking in the middle of flooded roads to avoid falling into gutters and canals, which may cause severe injuries. If possible, stay indoors. This is the best advice.
For students whose apartments are bungalows or without elevation, it is advisable to keep your documents above ground. It is better to be safe than sorry.
We must reiterate that the school needs to reach out to the government and the communities involved in order to ease the affairs of her students. The government should see to it that these communities are being taken care of for the comfort of their inhabitants. While in the hope of this, the students should be encouraged and do the needful to stay safe.
Abati Favour, Editor, LASU Conscience
