Campus

“We Don’t Feel Safe” — OAU ETF Hall Residents Cry Out Over Growing Bush Inside Hostel

ByOnline Editor

PublishedJune 28, 2025

By Abdulfatah Robiu

Amid growing safety concerns, residents of the ETF Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have raised the alarm over a growing bush surrounding their hostel, citing the threat to their safety and well-being.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, several students lamented that the bush has become a breeding ground for dangerous reptiles and insects, with some recounting recent incidents of snakes being found and killed inside the hall premises.

“We don’t feel safe anymore. Just last week, a snake was killed behind the toilet at Block C. That’s not the first time, it’s becoming too frequent,” a visibly concerned resident, Tossu Joshua, said.

Another student, Adebayo Ayomide, described the situation as alarming. “It’s as if the hall is gradually turning into a forest. The grasses are growing too tall before being cut. Its even scary walking around in the evening or at night because you don’t know what’s lurking in the bush,” he said.

Bashiru Abdulazeez, a resident of Block B, said the bush doesn’t only threaten their safety but also poses serious hygiene issues, including harboring dangerous insects which can lead to sickness

“It breeds insects, rats, and snakes. There was a day I saw something crawling near the bathroom. We had to use sticks to check before entering. Students deserve a safer environment to live,” Abdulazeez claimed.

Students are now calling on the school management to take proactive steps to ensure the hostel environment is safe and habitable, suggesting that it would be better to floor the environment instead.

“We are requesting a timely solution to this unsafe bush before the situation escalates into a serious hazard. The best solution is to cement or floor the entire surroundings in-other to create more convenience,” Abdulazeez added.