Bedbugs are blood-sucking pests known for their fierce ability to infest foam or cushion and reproduce exponentially on objects. Its notoriety is such that even when moves are made to nip its growth in the bud, it still weaves its way back to the object thriving on the slightest moment of carelessness from the distraught owner of the object.
It is no more news that in recent times, there appears to be yet another upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases, this has in fact led to school administrators reverting back to virtual learning to regulate its spread. The management of the University of Ibadan was even forced to shut down physical activities at some point and only a few months ago resumed physical lectures again whilst reducing the number of residents in the various hostels. The opening of schools was informed by the belief that the spread of the disease had been contained to an extent. The number of infected persons seems to be on the increase daily which might indicate the possibility of a second wave.
In light of this, stakeholders of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall have been pulling all stops to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes special efforts by the Hall Warden, Dr. Olufemi Adebiyi to put things in place in order to further forestall the spread of the Coronavirus. Some of the notable measures comprise the provision of face masks to Zikites, water systems strategically positioned at main entry points along with hand sanitizers, a compulsory directive ensuring that all Zikites and visitors of the Hall properly wash their hands before being permitted into Hall’s premises, the lockdown of the auxiliary gate leading to the Zik Hall bridge which had hitherto served as an inroad to the Hall and a shortcut to other Halls of residence to restrict the influx of people into the Hall and the constant check of nose masks of persons moving in and out of the Hall.
These measures, though laudable have come under intense criticism by Zikites, for instance, the lockdown of the subsidiary gate has reportedly prolonged residents’ locomotion from the hall to their classes, some even attribute their lateness to class to the lockdown of the gate. This has culminated in residents of the Hall clamouring for the gate to be made open to them even for a while as movement from the Hall to other places outside Hall’s vicinity has become a burdensome task. A 200- level student of Sociology resident in the Hall who pleaded anonymity admitted the good intentions of the management to curtail the virus but has decried the strain of attending lectures and inability to respond to any emergency movement to the Hall, describing the measure as overboard. Another student of the Faculty of Arts revealed that he has now become very selective of the lectures he attends. Many other Zikites shared the sentiment while a lesser percentage seemed to be seating on the fence regarding the issue.
It is apparent that Zikites appreciate and understand the goodwill of its Hall management, however, what doesn’t appear to sit right with them is the lockdown of the subsidiary gate that has allegedly made attending lectures an uphill exercise. Zikites are appealing to the management to throw open the gates once again to facilitate ease of attending lectures.
Just like bedbugs, being complacent with the Coronavirus can lead to its increase, hence, Zikites are advised to stay safe and fully comply with precautionary measures of the COVID-19 while anticipating the Hall management’s stance on the opening of the subsidiary gate even if for a limited period of time daily which is hoped to be communicated to Zikites.
