David Osunwa
Zikhall Chairman Adeniji Uthman Akanbi, Yamburger, made a public plea on Friday 22nd of March 2024, for financial aid and donations from Zikites and alumnis as he seeks to renovate the hall's reading rooms.
Few weeks to the end of his administration, Yamburger released the public notice seeking financial support for the renovation of the hall's reading rooms.
In his words, "There is a pressing project that requires immediate attention: the renovation of the reading rooms. Unfortunately, the current condition of the reading rooms in Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall is subpar. As advocates of Zikism and academic excellence, it is imperative that we address this issue before the upcoming exams next week."
"In light of the current economic challenges and the difficulty in securing support from alumni, I have personally decided to donate the sum of #150,000 to kickstart this project. However, I appeal to all Zikites, both alumni and current residents, who are capable and willing to lend their support to make this renovation possible".
He further stated in a chat with Zikpress that the budget goal is #260,000 and call on well meaning Zikites and Alumnis to come to their aid in order to achieve their set objective.
Although this initiative is commendable,the timing raises concerns and also questions the administration's sense of responsibility. Apart from the incessant and recurring power and water issues, the deplorable and condemnable state of the hall's reading rooms is another major challenge that the hall is faced with.
According to autonomous.com, a modern reading room is one with comfortable seating, good lighting, proper ventilation and one that is free from unnecessary distractions. Unfortunately, the reading rooms available within the hall possess none of the aforementioned qualities as it has fallen from bad,to worse ,and now to almost unusable.
The reading rooms have been in dire need of renovation for quite some time now, and its deteriorating conditions have made it difficult for residents of the hall to study in the reading room.Occupants of the hall have had to visit neighboring halls of residence just to make use of their reading space.
This might be too late to accomplish, but for an administration that is widely regarded as unresponsive and ineffective, renovating the reading rooms will definitely be something to commend and appreciate. Only time will tell how it all turns out. Hopefully, this renovation is started and concluded quickly so students can make use of the facility ahead of the upcoming examination season.
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