Management's Decision to Relocate Traders In Academic Area Affects Students and Traders Alike

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By Ezekiel Oluwajoba and Subomi Omonijo
At the beginning of the rain semester, it was observed that traders who sell items around the academic and residential areas on campus were asked by the school management to vacate those areas. To confirm the information and understand the reasons and impact, The Icons Organization conducted interviews with both traders and students on campus.

A trader, who requested anonymity, confirmed the information and explained that the school authority took action following an incident in which a trader was allegedly found distributing onions in the basement area. Although she was not present during the incident, she stated that it was the reason they were instructed to cease selling. Another trader corroborated this, affirming that it was indeed the reason for the sales ban.


She further elaborated on how this situation has affected her. Her shop has been shut down, and many of her goods—most of which are not sourced from Ile-Ife—are at risk of expiring, have expired, or have had to be given away. She also highlighted that this decision is adversely impacting students. According to her, students now have to walk long distances to the Students' Union Building (SUB) just to obtain water or snacks after classes. She believes that relocating all traders to the new market will diminish their sales and increase the likelihood of their goods spoiling.

Toke, a student from the Faculty of Education, confirmed her dissatisfaction with the recent changes. She expressed how stressful it is to finish a class and then have to walk to SUB just to buy water or snacks. Toke hopes for a swift resolution to this issue.

In contrast, at the Faculty of Agriculture, trading activities continue unabated. One trader claimed he is unaware of any ban. A student from the faculty acknowledged the ban but stated he was not affected, as he typically purchases items within the faculty. The environment remains vibrant with normal buying and selling activities.
Shop at the faculty of Agriculture.

Dayo, another student, suggested that the ban might be an attempt by the school management to centralise trading activities. However, he highlighted that certain areas, such as "As e dey hot," are vital for students. He cited the cobblers in that area, noting that students, particularly those living off-campus, often depend on their services for unexpected shoe or sandal repairs. Without such services nearby, students would find themselves in a difficult situation.

Students were interviewed in the As e Dey Hot area, another location affected by recent changes. While some reported not feeling the impact due to living off-campus or near the market, others voiced significant concerns. Many students highlighted that vendors in this area, particularly those selling puff puff and buns, are essential, especially during early morning classes and exams. 

Students from Moremi and Mozambique Halls expressed that spending ₦200 on transportation to buy small items from the market is financially unreasonable. They indicated that if the traders at As e Dey Hot get removed, many students might forgo visiting the market altogether to get those things due to the complications involved.
As e dey hot area.

In discussions with cobblers in the As e Dey Hot area, they confirmed the ban and shared that they now work in fear, always prepared to flee when school authorities approach. If caught, their items are confiscated and often not returned, with some even being destroyed. They expressed that relocating to the market would severely impact their ability to make a living.

When Samuel Busari, the Welfare Director of the Students' Union, was reached out to, he explained that he does not know much about the situation as it was the management that told the traders to leave. 

Note: The names of sources in the report were changed for security reasons.
 

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