Fallen Tree Branches Continue to Obstruct Health Centre–‘As E Dey Hot’ Route Weeks After Heavy Rainfall

By Omotola Lydia

Following the heavy rainfall that befell the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus in the early hours of Thursday, April 17th, 2025, several tree branches felled by strong winds continue to obstruct the route between the Health Centre area and the popular ‘As E Dey Hot’ location.

More than two weeks after the incident, the massive tree debris remains uncleared by school authorities, causing significant inconvenience and forcing many students to reroute or even climb over the obstructing branches to pass through the area.

Fallen Tree Between Health Centre and As E Dey Hot

The blocked path is a major short route for students from halls of residence such as Alumni, Postgraduate, Mozambique, and Angola Halls heading towards the academic area. The route, previously a convenient shortcut for many hostel residents, has now become a source of daily frustration with students expressing concern at the delayed response by the university management. 

Speaking with OAUPeeps, students shared their experiences and dissatisfaction with the delayed response."I went to the chemistry lab for a practical and had to hurry back to Mozambique Hall to get my sneakers," recounted Busayo, a Nursing student. "I had forgotten that the branch had blocked the road and mistakenly passed there. I was so pissed and angry; I had to turn around and take the longer road."

Another student, Phoebe, also from Mozambique Hall, expressed similar frustrations: "It’s not easy to pass there if I'm not wearing trousers. When I wear a tight dress, I have to raise my legs to cross the fallen branch. If you're passing there, you have to make sure you dust your legs afterwards because there are ants on the branch. Otherwise, you have to pass the long road."

An anonymous student added: "The fact that a branch has been there for weeks without action makes the environment look ugly. I have to raise my legs awkwardly when passing. I think the management should urgently do something about it."

It would be recalled that ACJOAU earlier reported how the same heavy rainfall removed roofing sheets at Alumni Hall, with renovation efforts immediately following. However, despite that quick intervention in the Hall of Residence, no visible action has been taken on the blocked pathway.

As of press time, the debris remains uncleared, leaving students to continue to call on the school management to urgently clear the obstruction and restore free movement along the route.

Students Lament Bird Poop and Dilapidation in Oduduwa Lecture Theaters

By Omotola Lydia

The current gory state of the Oduduwa Lecture Theater One and Two (ODLT 1 & 2), where students once comfortably had classes, has now become a mess. Students are forced to take classes in a dilapidated structure characterized by numerous stains of bird poop on the tables meant for seating.

Speaking with OAUPeeps, Oyindamola Adams, a student of Biology Education who had just concluded a class at the lecture theater, said, “The population of the class is more than the number of good chairs. A large number of the seats were broken and a lot of us had to sit on the floor. Most of the seats and tables that are not broken are stained with bird poop and students avoid sitting there.”

Seats at ODLT Lettered with Bird Poop

Sanyaolu Oluwatimileyin, a 200-level student of Family Nutrition and Consumer Science, expressed her displeasure, saying, “The bird poop has stained my cloth once and it makes the whole place smelly and irritating. The fans are not working too.”

This bird infestation and the resulting droppings have become a recent challenge due to the poor state of maintenance of the lecture theater. A glance across the venue reveals several broken windows with no nets, doors that do not close, and exposed nests, making the building porous for birds and contributing to its deteriorated condition.

Broken Windows at ODLT

Students are now left with no option but to take classes in a space defaced by bird droppings, which poses environmental and health hazards. ODLT serves numerous faculties including, but not limited to, the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Technology, and Faculty of Education. This means a large student population is exposed daily to bird poop, thereby increasing the risk of contracting diseases.

According to a report by Bird Barrier, bird droppings pose several transmittable diseases including histoplasmosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Some of these diseases, like candidiasis, have been linked to fatal outcomes in humans.

Beyond disease transmission, bird droppings also harbor ectoparasites such as bed bugs, chicken mites, mosquitoes, and yellow mealworms. This comes as a significant concern for the school community, which has been increasing fumigation efforts to combat bed bug infestations. In 2017, Channels TV reported a widespread bed bug invasion in the halls of residence at OAU—a reoccurrence that now feels possible with the current state of ODLT.

Although the university recently announced the renovation of the Oduduwa Hall and Amphitheatre, which is already underway, nothing was said about the current state of the lecture theater sitting right beneath.

Fadele Nifemi, a 200-level student of Industrial Chemistry, reacted saying, “I was surprised to see that the amphitheater is being renovated but ODLT which is directly beneath it is neglected. The school management should do better please. We do not deserve to be taking classes in such an environment.”

Amphitheatre Undergoing Renovation

However, students are urgimg the Students’ Union and the university management to listen to their complaints and take swift action to make the lecture theaters convenient for learning.

Ademola Ayomide, a student of the English Department, added, “The bats poop is dried up so scraping it off the table would be good and a bit of soap and water would help too.”

OAU Political Season: A Mirror of Nigerian Politics?

By Goodness Oluwasusi

Just as the Nigerian Government headed by the President has its tenure of office set at four years—as provided in Section 135 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and subject to Section 143 of the same—the Great Ife Students’ Union also follows a tenure system. Section 61.1 of the Students’ Union Constitution of Obafemi Awolowo University implicitly provides that the tenure of office for all office holders at the Students’ Union level is one academic session. This means that if one academic session spans two or more years due to any reason, the tenure of the elected leaders will last for that duration.

In light of the above, the second semester of every academic session at Obafemi Awolowo University is always characterized by strong political winds. These blow from the Central Executive Council of the Students’ Union to the Hall Executive Councils of various halls of residence, and further down to the Executive Council members of departments, faculties, and even indigenous associations.

It is always an interesting and intense period as students engage in intellectual battles at debates and manifesto sessions. You also begin to notice various feats achieved by students in a bid to gain recognition and distinguish themselves—standing out from others.

Another interesting feature of this period is the sharp display of connection and networking skills among students. Interested candidates become more familiar with fellow students and colleagues in their learning environments, all in a bid to gain acceptance and, ultimately, votes. During this period, student leaders appear more involved in matters that concern the general student body. It is important to note that welfarism is a good virtue that must be embraced by everyone, and this has become a tradition within the OAU community—though it rises during the political season, sometimes exceeding the norm. Regardless, it’s for the common good.

Also notable are the numerous social events organized for students, which may be viewed as a form of propaganda. This is especially true of the social secretaries, who use social activities to ease academic pressure and stress. Through these events, student leaders build their reputation, earn respect, and gain recognition among fellow students. However, not all will be able to sustain their initiatives—whether they eventually win or not, many of them tend to abandon these projects afterward.

You also can’t ignore the volunteering spirit displayed by these student leaders. During this period, you’ll find them volunteering tirelessly—always present at every event. They mostly offer themselves to be seen in positions such as protocol, compere/MC, and welfare. At some point, you might be tempted to ask, “What post are you going for?” On the flip side, these individuals are also building capacity and training themselves to multitask and handle responsibilities—key characteristics of effective leadership, especially responsibility.

In relation to Nigerian politics, we begin to notice certain similarities. From the third year of an officeholder’s tenure, you start receiving unexpected acts of goodwill from our national leaders—ridiculous distribution of foodstuffs, half-baked scholarship schemes, and forced contributions to societal issues. For those seeking continuity, they often rush through quick projects that lack sustainability but win them applause. The press becomes a tool for propaganda, pushing forward narratives that often hide financial misappropriation, a lack of transparency, and weak accountability. Sadly, the weary and uninformed public falls for these ploys, abandoning their duty to hold leaders responsible. Some are just disappointed and thus lose interest, leaving the unborn generation to ask, “What went wrong, and where did it all go wrong?” A question that revebrates across generations throughout our nation.

OAU Community, it’s another political season. A season where we get the chance to shape our immediate future for the next academic session. It is another opportunity to choose leaders who will honorably chart the course of our community toward a greater future. At all levels—the Students’ Union, Indigenous Associations, Faculties, Departments, and Halls of Residence—we are close to selecting those who will preside with honor, vibrantly pioneer our causes, intentionally secure our interests, promote our image, safeguard our finances, steer our social lives, and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.

To ensure a balanced students’ community despite the imbalance in our nation, it is imperative to elect accountable, transparent, and inclusive representatives of our interests. Choose responsibly—not just anyhow. A change in leadership starts with a change in followership. Indeed, the change we desire in Nigeria can begin right here in our OAU Community.

Fresh Coats, Fresh Vibes: OAU’s Faculty of Science Building Undergoes Facelift

By Omotoso GodsDelight

As students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, return to campus for the Rain semester, one thing stands out at the Faculty of Science — a fresher, cleaner, and more vibrant appearance.

The faculty, popularly known as the White House for its longstanding white-themed structure, renowned for its busy lecture halls and long corridors filled with academic hustle, is currently undergoing a repainting exercise. The project, which began shortly before resumption, has brought a wave of visual refreshment to the area. Cream-colored walls, neater finishes, and a cleaner atmosphere replace the once dull and faded appearance.

"It has added to the school's beauty, making it look more like the real White House," said Favour, a 200-level Chemistry student.

Interestingly, the repainting has not disrupted classes, as lecture halls remain open and entirely in use. This has allowed academic activities to continue seamlessly while students and staff enjoy the gradual transformation around them.

Pelumi, a 200-level Engineering Physics student, said, "The repainting makes the building look more attractive and well-maintained. It helps the building regain its original identity — just like the name implies, White House."

Although the repainting is not a full-scale renovation, students still appreciate the effort. For many, it signals an attempt by the university to improve the learning environment — something they believe has been neglected in recent years.

"The facelift is good and nice," but in Biological Sciences, the colour white is a bit too much because it gets dirty easily, especially since students go there to attend classes and read. Even though the original colour of the building was white, I expected them to change it. But all in all, it was good," said Samuel, a 200-level Microbiology student.

Though no official communication has been released regarding the project's scope or how long it will last, there is growing curiosity about whether other faculties will receive a similar facelift.

The Faculty of Science is one of the largest and most active on campus, housing departments such as Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, and others. The repainting, modest as it may seem, adds a splash of colour to the daily lives of students and lecturers within the faculty.

As the semester wears on, students hope the repainting isn't just a one-time touch-up but a sign of consistent maintenance and infrastructural upgrades.

Balancing the Blockchain: How Students Are Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency

By Akano Jesuloba

In a world shaped by digital innovation, many students in Nigeria are turning their eyes toward cryptocurrency for financial empowerment, personal growth, and exploration of the future of money. Cryptocurrency is a decentralised digital currency built on blockchain technology that can be used to buy goods and services. Unlike traditional currencies, they are not controlled by financial institutions.

For many young undergraduates grappling with rising costs, limited job opportunities, and an evolving global economy, cryptocurrency presents a new frontier where they can invest in and trade digital currencies to make a profit.

However, despite its popularity, there remains a lot of misunderstanding about what cryptocurrency truly is. To understand its intricacies, OAU Peeps spoke with crypto trader Daniel Olarenwaju, a Health Education/Human Kinetics graduate from the University of Ibadan, and Opeyemi, a Chemical Engineering student at Obafemi Awolowo University.

A Curious Start: The Students' Entry into Crypto

Daniel’s journey into cryptocurrency began with an ordinary YouTube ad that unexpectedly stirred a passion for learning.

“What motivated me was the passion for learning new things and researching. I stumbled on an ad on YouTube about trading charts, which stirred up hunger in me,” he shared.

Opeyemi also found herself drawn into the crypto world through curiosity and a desire for financial literacy.

“It was something new and interesting. I was learning more about financial literacy and independence. I was also looking for different ways to earn,” Opeyemi said.

What Students Should Know Before Diving In

Venturing into the cryptocurrency world can be both exciting and overwhelming. For Daniel, the first lesson is to drop the fantasy of overnight success.

“Students must know that cryptocurrency is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Eradicate that mentality from your mindset. Don’t expect millions in your first six months of trading or even two years after,” he warned.

He emphasised the importance of patience—something he believes students must pray for.

“Be ready to lose money—a whole lot of it. Be open-minded to make mistakes because it’s normal since you are just trying out a new adventure. Good things require prayer, and so also, cryptocurrency,” he said with conviction.

Opeyemi, however, brought a practical angle to the discussion, breaking down the cryptocurrency ecosystem and its opportunities.

“There are different aspects to earning and even trading in Web3. Cryptocurrency has different types, so you can trade coins, tokens, NFTS, etc. Good knowledge of the space and cryptocurrency is essential,” she explained.

However, she advised beginners to learn how to trade in-depth before starting. “Learn how to trade, like before going into the wild. Choose which type of trading and what you would like to trade in. Learn it well and venture out.”

Why Some Students Fail in the Crypto World

With every opportunity comes a potential pitfall, and both students were candid about the challenges in the crypto journey.

Opeyemi highlighted the technical and emotional vulnerabilities that can lead to failure.

“Why you would lose so much is either you do not understand the market enough, your analysis isn't complete or correct, or just the market moving unpredictably, and maybe greed,” she said.

Daniel echoed this sentiment but added a spiritual layer. “Greed, lack of discipline, slow decision-making, lack of patience, and the God factor are major reasons why students fail,” he stated.

Advice for Crypto Newbies

For students aspiring to enter the crypto space, Daniel and Opeyemi advise them to learn first.

“Learn a lot and have basic financial literacy,” Opeyemi advised, emphasising that education is the key to navigating the risks of digital currency.

Daniel recommended keeping a personal record of progress. “Have a diary to track your wins and losses. It would serve as a source of motivation later,” he said. 

He also stressed the importance of identifying what fuels one’s motivation. “The very thing that motivates you should be kept focused,” he added.

Juggling Trading with Campus Life

Being a student-trader requires technical skill, time management, and strong discipline.

“What helped me the most was sticking strictly to the allocated time for my trading, and as it is time, I leave it,” Daniel explained.

“No matter how enticing and profit-looking the market is, I would leave it because I need to adhere to the discipline principle.”

However, despite his trading activities, Daniel maintained a vibrant campus life in school.

“From my first to final year, I was an active executive in the fellowship, sports director for my department in my final year, and a four-time award-winning best defender in my set. In between all, I still represented my school in outdoor competitions,” he recounted proudly.