By Oluwasegun Akintunde
Is it safe to say that lecturers across the faculties and departments on the OAU campus are intentionally treating students' academics with levity, or is it just too much workload on them that has made it seem like they are stretching themselves and their students thin to finish their syllabuses for the semester? Or is it the unavailability of venues for the said classes and exams that's the issue?
Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have voiced their grievances over the need to attend lectures, submit various assignments, and present papers while preparing for ongoing tests. Traditionally, tests have been scheduled days before the D-day to enable students to prepare well.
Various students testified that having lectures and tests simultaneously means limited time to adequately prepare because lecturers often aim to finish the course outline without giving sufficient explanation on specific topics.
A.B, a part 2 student in the Department of Accounting, mentioned that the tests he will be doing are 'ON GOD,' emphasizing that calculating the workload feels overwhelming due to lecturers not providing breathing space to cover past notes.
He opines that the school is trying to balance the calendar at the detriment of students' results. He also complained about the stress of rushing to school only to find out classes have been canceled. He said, 'Lecturers are always canceling classes with joy but are always ready to set questions for us during tests/exams.'
A final year student in the Department of Public Administration stated that they are not stressed in some aspects but feel pressured by assignments and presentations. The project alone is a source of stress, as its acceptance depends on the supervisor's mood.
He emphasized, 'WITHOUT YOUR PROJECT, YOU CAN'T GRADUATE BECAUSE IT'S A SIX-UNIT COURSE.' To have breathing space in this school requires focus—shifting focus and knowing what's important will help students cope. Already, students have had to cope with unpleasant conditions, including bad network and electricity.
A part 2 student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering lamented having four tests this week for core courses, requiring significant attention and preparation except for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Faruk, a part 2 student in the Department of Economics, mentioned having four tests in the outgoing week, leading him to stay overnight on campus for four consecutive nights, adversely affecting him mentally and health-wise.
What can be done about these issues on the part of lecturers, school management, and students?
