Exposed Hazards: Missing Gutter Slabs In Front of The Department of English Pose Safety Risks

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By Oluwatoyin Yakubu 
The degradation of some structures on campus over time has caused serious safety issues for the student body. In recent times, several holes caused by openings or faulty slabs have endangered the safety of students on campus.

This incident occurred at the English Language department, where a major part of the student population passes through every day. The slabs that are supposed to cover the gutter have fallen into the gutter, creating a hole almost 5 feet deep. This is a dangerous occurrence considering the department's passage does not have any proper lighting at night.


Speaking to students on this issue, Olatomide, an English student, said, "I think they need to be treated with immediate attention because we never can tell when those slabs will fall off and cause fatal accidents." She proceeded by stating, "There are some of these slabs that have, in their entirety, been detached from the gutter they are covering, making it possible for anyone to fall into the orifice." "My opinion is that this hole should be covered as soon as possible and the shaky slabs should be replaced," she said.

Another student said, "For me, since I know the situation of the slabs, I am always conscious when I am walking around the area. I cannot say the same for others. A friend of mine who is not used to walking around the department almost fell one day because of the shaky slabs. I know how to maneuver my way; what about others who are not aware or are not members of the department?"

In a release from the legislative arm of the National Association of English Language Students (NASELS), the Speaker of the House, Malik Akodu, mentioned their attempts to call the attention of the executive arm, which have proved abortive. They made several attempts and suggestions to the executives but did not receive any positive response. 

In an attempt to corroborate these claims, an interview was held with the Public Relations Officer of NASELS, Mr. Daniel Aderinluwo, on 27th February 2025. He stated that the legislative arm addressed these issues in a letter sent just twice to the executives. However, he mentioned that they had not taken any steps to correct these faulty slabs. He highlighted some actions they would take, such as meeting with the staff adviser and the HOD regarding this issue, among other matters affecting the department. The interview underscored the department's position, as they do not view these faulty slabs as an urgent safety concern. A suggestion was made to liaise with the Faculty of Arts Student Association(FASA) executives but there has not been any release concerning this.

Currently, the holes caused by the open slabs have been partially covered with flat wood, but this cannot support any weight. Allegedly, a student has fallen into the gutter due to the weak slabs; therefore, the current condition of the slabs is not ideal.

This is a call to all concerned parties to enact the necessary solutions for these slabs, as the current condition is still likely to cause accidents.





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