By Joseph Ogungbe
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife community, has witnessed a notable shift in both the inward and outward appearance of the campus in recent months. Since 2024, several infrastructural and environmental projects have been reshaping familiar spaces within the campus environment, which has got students and staff members talking. To some, these notable changes reflect a renewed intentionality on the part of university management to enhance the campus's beauty and create a conducive learning environment for all.
Some of the projects include the repainting of the Yellow House (home to the Department of Mathematics) and the White House, which housed the Departments of Biochemistry and Geology. Included also is the renovation of the Amphitheatre and Odùduwà Hall.
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| Landscape view of the pedestrian walkway |
Reclaiming Africa's Most Beautiful Campus
While these projects are still ongoing, one major project that stands out and is garnering more reactions lately is the ongoing horticultural and pedestrian walkway project along Road 1. This is bringing OAU close to reclaiming its title as Africa's Most Beautiful Campus.
According to Falola Nathaniel, a 400-level student, ‘This transformation makes Road 1 feel more human-centred and safe.’ As is now observed, trekkers and cyclists use the walkway, unlike before, when they struggled to share the tarred road with vehicle owners.
Another student, Adebayo Emmanuel, who frequently plies the road, appraised the newly designated pedestrian lanes of the project.
‘I have been using the road since 2017. I often use the road at least three times a week, especially during early morning or late-night prayer walks with friends. Before, we used to walk on the pathway created through constant walking along the roadside. We would be watching out for moving vehicles. But now that it is more defined, we can confidently do our thing using the pedestrian train,’ he added.
Sharing his own view, Okotete Gideon, a 400-level student, expressed delight with the project.
‘I am impressed, actually,’ he said. While he initially felt the project was undertaken solely for the 49th convocation ceremony, he agreed that it would not only beautify the campus at this time but also serve future generations.
Impact on Campus Ecology
Dr O.P. Aluko, a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies who frequently commutes on the road, shared his perspective on the new ongoing development, saying, ‘Formerly, people who jog do so on the main road and on the pathway’ before the project commenced.
‘It has now contributed positively to the OAU community. I can say that it has encouraged some people to jog, which they now do every morning, especially on Saturdays. I do see them every Saturday,’ he continued.
Aside from the walkway, there is also deliberate planting of trees and flowers of different species. This horticultural and pedestrian-friendly intervention goes beyond beautification. Rather, it envisions how the environmental design would shape campus life as a whole.
For every interviewed Road 1 user, the road had always been functional rather than inviting. However, the aesthetic shift of a designed walkway, featuring the addition of flowers/tree plants, has contributed to a renewed sense of pride in the campus environment.
On environmental consciousness and campus ecology, Dr O.P. Aluko emphasised another value of the trees serving as windbreakers, especially once they grow fully. In the event of strong winds, dust movement, or harsh weather conditions, the trees would help reduce wind velocity, limit soil erosion, and improve air quality along the passageway, which would extend to other parts of the campus environment.
Beyond these, the greenery is also expected to support biodiversity by creating a more habitable environment for birds and the almighty ‘campus bats’, while contributing to a cooler, healthier, and more sustainable campus ecosystem in the near future.
These observations align with broader discussions about sustainability in institutional settings, with the project both practical and symbolic in a climate-conscious era.
Concerns Over Long-Term Maintenance
However, while responses were largely positive, expressed concerns centred on long-term maintenance, as many noted that OAU lacked a maintenance culture for some of the architectural projects around the campus over the years.
In this light, Nathaniel said, ‘maintenance is a concern because without consistent care, the plants and walkway could deteriorate over time.’
He continued, ‘One challenge is that some parts still feel unfinished or uneven, which can be inconvenient during peak hours. ‘I would suggest proper lighting at night and clearer separation for cyclists,’ he further added.
For Adebayo Emmanuel, he said, ‘I have not noticed any issues so far, but I am concerned about the sustainability of it and maintenance.’ ‘If the horticulturists can do due diligence, all will be fine,’ another interviewed student added.
Gideon, on his part, said, ‘The other side of the road is not as beautiful as the incoming side of the road,’ emphasising his concern that the project is mainly a one-sided one.
These concerns underscore the importance of school management to view the project not as a finished product, but as an ongoing initiative.
Future Expectations and Habits
Many interviewees agreed that the Road 1 transformation should not stand alone, with many suggesting that similar projects should be extended to other major areas of campus and student residential routes.
‘Road 7 area should receive similar attention, especially the road to the gate,’ Gideon said. He further added, ‘Some cool spots like shady areas along the walkway with seats should be considered.’
Emmanuel, earlier interviewed, also mentioned that ‘places like Quarters should also receive the same attention as many students live around there as well.’
The introduction of the walkway has had a tangible impact on daily life, especially for students who trek long distances from the campus gate to destinations such as lecture theatres, hostels, or the central market. The separation from vehicles has improved safety and comfort.
Admitting the impacts of the development, Nathaniel said, ‘The pedestrian walkway has improved my experience as a walker. It has increased my sense of safety and reduced stress while walking. It has also encouraged me to trek more often instead of looking for transport.’
Emmanuel added that ‘having a pedestrian train made it easier for us to walk as the security and safety of the students are guaranteed.’
With these reports, it is clear that the development has subtly changed many pedestrians’ habits, as trekking has become a more attractive option than boarding campus ‘town-gboro’ or biking, especially during short trips to banking areas, local government bus stops, and other destinations.
As one respondent student put it, 'It finally feels like a university space that was designed with pedestrians in mind and not just movement for only vehicles from the campus gate to the first bus stop.'
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