Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction over the poor condition of many hostels located within the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) premises.
The recent revelation of the dilapidated state of these hostels has sparked outrage online, with many urging the school management to take urgent and proactive measures to renovate the facilities for the well-being of students. Most of the reactions from netizens cite serious health implications.
A social media influencer and an alumnus, Brian Dennis, expressed concern over the dilapidation of the school’s hostels, relaxation centre and the once-functional walkways constructed to help students move around without exposure to the scorching sun or rain.
He noted that despite celebrating 50 years as an institution, UNIPORT needs to prioritise the renovation of key facilities to enable students to learn in a healthy and conducive environment.
Speaking about one of the hostels while sharing a photo, he wrote, “This is the world-class Aminu Kano Hostel of the prestigious 50-year-old University of Port Harcourt. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should declare a state of emergency in this institution and send a Sole Administrator. Management has failed this institution.”
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He further shared his frustration on Facebook regarding the current state of the school’s walkways.
He wrote,”It is a convertible walkway because it was originally built with a roof so students and staff could walk without being beaten by either the scorching sun or the endless Port Harcourt rain. But of course, management changed, and the roof deteriorated. Since management will not fix the roof, it has now been renamed as the world’s first convertible walkway,” Dennis stated.
Reactions Trail
A Facebook user, Zubby Favy, narrated her experience in one of the Pharmacy hostels during her examination period. According to her, she only lasted one month before returning to her rented apartment.
“My first time staying in the hostel, I didn’t know there were bedbugs everywhere. My friend I was staying with, never told me. I stayed for one month and went back home. Omo, let’s just say I had to burn everything I had — from my foam to my clothes — and got new ones. Since then, once I’m done with exams and going back to my lodge, I always burn my clothes from the hostel before going back.”
Confirming the unconducive condition of another hostel, which she revealed after staying over at the NDDC hostel, she said she got infected. “I stayed over in my friend’s room in NDDC hostel because my lodge wasn’t ready yet. Let’s just say I brought big infections back to my lodge, and I had to treat and treat it. I don’t know how those girls survive over there.”
Umazutam Mark also shared her experience, “I’ve always been a hostel girlie from secondary school. I enjoyed staying in the hostel. I had gotten accommodation in Delta Campus, King Jaja Block C, and I felt the NDDC hostel would be closer to Ofrima, where I had all my lectures, so I swapped with someone. Tell you what? I saw how the place looked and didn’t spend a night there. I jejely packed my load back to King Jaja hostel and paid my transport jeje.”
Echoing similar concerns, Divine Wosu said, “No be lie. I stayed in Nelson Mandela hostel from Year 1 to Final Year.”
Betty Tom-Eyah, a vendor, added, “As a vendor for the hostel, na only once I entered that NDDC. The dirt and odour no let me near that hostel again. Even if them wan patronise me with principalities and power… I no near there.”
