By Adayi Favour Eneada
Abuja Hostel University of Jos, continues to grapple with a severe water scarcity issue, leaving students at the hostel distressed, and struggling to meet their basic needs. The shortage, which has persisted for weeks, has raised concerns about the University’s ability to provide a conducive living and learning environment.
Students residing in Abuja hostel Unijos, which accommodates approximately 2,000 (two thousand) students, have been forced to endure unbearable conditions due to the lack of water supply. The shortage has affected not only their daily routines but also personal hygiene and general cleanliness.
Speaking with the Governor of Abuja hostel Mr Boniface Kotfunaan he said, “The authorities are aware of the water crisis faced by the students of the hostel, pleading with the students to be patient as the school authorities are putting efforts to ensure that all Taps are fixed in the hostel soon.”
Yepe Pedi, a 200-level student of actuarial science, expressed her frustration regarding the situation, “We are being restricted from our fundamental right to access clean and safe water,” she said. “We are left with no choice but to queue for hours at nearby water points, hoping to fill just a few buckets before supplies run out.”
The scarcity began to worsen when the hostel’s primary water source – a few Taps did not supply water due to broken pipes. Despite several complaints and pleas to the hostel authorities, no action has been taken to repair the Taps. The students have been left to navigate the scarcity without any support or alternative sources of water.
The consequences of the water scarcity are far-reaching. With limited access to water, students face challenges in maintaining personal hygiene, which could lead to health issues and an increased risk of diseases. Additionally, academic performance may suffer as students struggle to focus on their studies amidst the chaos caused by the lack of one basic amenity which is water.
Many students have taken this to social media platforms to highlight their ordeal and call for urgent action from the University administration. The hashtag Water scarcity In Abuja Hostel is now trending on various platforms, with students sharing pictures and videos showcasing the dire conditions they are living in.
In response to the growing outcry online, the University of Jos released a statement acknowledging the water shortage and promising swift action to resolve the issue. The announcement outlined plans to hire external experts to repair the spoilt Tap within the next two weeks. It also promised the provision of adequate water storage facilities and the availability of water tankers to the hostel to alleviate water scarcity in the hostel.
However, students are demanding immediate action, expressing skepticism about the University’s ability to follow through on their promises. They said that two weeks is too long to wait for a basic necessity like water, their academic activities and personal lives should not be put on hold.
As the water scarcity in the Abuja hostel at the University of Jos continues to escalate, students are left hoping for swift, tangible solutions. Authorities must act urgently to address the issue and provide an environment suitable for learning and living.
