Rianat Ademola 

As night falls on the University of Ibadan, the once bustling pathways of Tech Road, St. Anne’s Road, and Kegites Road wear out their youthfulness and slumber in a dark state. The absence of functioning street lights on these roads is a serious threat to the safety of students, particularly as these paths are not open spaces. Security issues at the University of Ibadan have long been a topic of concern. Despite the 2019 robbery incident that prompted the prohibition of male visitors in female hostels, the security system has not improved that much. While it may be easy to overlook what we  it should not be condoned when there is no maintenance for the little ones we have.  

A Persistent Problem

For years now, students have reported the darkened state of Tech Road, St. Anne’s Road, and the road leading to Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall from the Access Bank road at night. The frail security checks at the university gates do little or nothing to limit access or even properly screen whoever or whatever is coming in, leaving these roads seemingly uncensored to anyone. Students have shared disturbing experiences of theft, sexual assault, and other unpleasant incidents, some of which occurred along these routes. Nusiroh, a final year student of Library and Archival Studies, shared her insights.“The darkness of these paths without traffic lights and also unwelcome guests who prey around the school vicinity makes me feel unsafe.” She went on to recount an experience she had on Tech Road. “I recalled a time in my 100-level when I had to go for TDB. I remembered clearly that I perceived a strange presence close. I looked back and saw nothing. It occurred again, and I had to run all the way from Tech along the zoo till I got to KDL.”  

The lack of functioning streetlights on these roads is glaring. Streetlights are the most basic of infrastructures that bring out the beauty of a place, especially at night. However, beyond aesthetics, they are also vital amenities that should never be found wanting in a university’s environment. Walking along these darkened roads at night directly threatens students’ safety and well-being, as these pathways lead to different halls of residence. Lovina, a 300l English student, recounted her discomfort with walking on poorly lit roads at night. “It is a frightening experience for me to walk when there are no streetlights. I recall trekking on Tech Road during the Jaw War period, and I’d often wait for others to leave the venue with me because the darkness and random passers-by made me feel uneasy,” she recounted. Lovina’s experience is far from being a unique one. Her concerns highlight a broader issue across Nigeria, where safety remains a backdrop issue. While many communities ensure streetlights are installed in residential areas to enhance security and even aesthetics, the University of Ibadan falls short in this regard. The university has more than enough streetlights in open areas, but secluded roads like Tech Road, Kegites Road and St. Anne’s Road are often ignored. These roads demand more attention, as their isolation makes them potential hotspots for criminal activity.  

“The thought of people lurking on that road at night, combined with the presence of reptiles like snakes and scorpions, makes passing through that area after dark truly scary. One night, while returning from church with a friend, we noticed some guys following us. To deter them, we pretended to be on a video call. It was a scary experience,” added Lovina.  

These roads, hidden away from public view, become even more precarious without streetlights. Although the University of Ibadan is known for zero tolerance for criminal acts, this oversight seems to contradict that commitment and further sabotage whatever efforts and measures it might seem the university’s management is putting in place. Measures like locking the gate between The Polytechnic of Ibadan and the University of Ibadan, due to security threats, show that the university is aware of its responsibilities, yet the absence of functioning streetlights on roads that connect to students’ halls remains a problem.  

Urgent Need for Action

With examinations fast approaching, these roads are frequently used by students attending night reading sessions or other late-night activities, being the second semester, typically known for extracurricular activities. For many, these dark routes are unavoidable. The absence of functioning streetlights in such crucial areas can no longer be overlooked. It is a pressing matter that demands immediate attention, as students are forced to navigate these unsafe conditions daily. These roads, which take approximately 15 to 20 minutes on foot before reaching a well-lit area, are crucial routes for many students.

“I walk fast out of common sense, knowing subconsciously that walking in a lonely place at night is dangerous,” said Tega, a 300l English student. “Although I see some people on my way, I have noticed there is no sufficient lighting, which is not good enough for safety reasons.”  

Imagine walking alone in the dark for 15–20 minutes, vulnerable to potential dangers. This is the harsh reality for students on these roads. No one should have to be fretful for their safety while walking to the hostel or the library. Ensuring functioning streetlights on these critical roads is a necessity. The University of Ibadan must prioritise addressing this issue to create a safe environment for its students, and there is no better time to remedy the situation than now. The provision of the 40 poles of solar powered street lights made available to the university can, however, be used to provide a lasting solution to the aforementioned challenges.