UNIJOS Dean Responds to Investigation on Inaccessible Student Hostels
Professor Chris Piwuna acknowledges maintenance failures while defending university efforts for disabled students.
1Investigation Sparks Official Response
Following a detailed investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, Professor Chris Piwuna, addressed reports regarding the poor state of the Village Hostel. The facility, which houses students with disabilities, was documented as having severe accessibility barriers, including broken infrastructure and lack of essential support.
2Dean Acknowledges Maintenance Challenges
Professor Piwuna admitted that hostel maintenance remains a significant struggle for the university administration. While he acknowledged the validity of the report's findings, he stated that the institution faces constant financial and administrative pressures. He noted that such investigative reports serve as a necessary mechanism to keep university officials on their toes.
3Documented Accessibility Barriers Persist
The investigation highlighted that students with disabilities face daily hazards, including overgrown bushes, uneven surfaces, and potholes. Wheelchair users, such as student Monica Joseph, reported having to crawl into bathrooms due to the absence of ramps or grab rails. These physical barriers severely limit the independent movement of students across the campus.
4University Claims Previous Interventions
Defending the university's record, Professor Piwuna claimed that his office had previously repaired broken doors and window fittings within the hostel. He also mentioned the restoration of a borehole to ensure water access for students. He asserted that these actions demonstrate the university's commitment to student welfare, despite the ongoing infrastructure deficits.
5Staff Support and Site Maintenance
The dean stated that the Directorate of Student Affairs currently employs two staff members specifically tasked with assisting blind, deaf, and mobility-impaired students. Furthermore, he claimed that he personally oversaw the mowing of grass around the hostel to prevent snake infestations, emphasizing that the administration has not abandoned the students' safety needs.
6Failed External Funding Attempts
Professor Piwuna revealed that the university had previously reached out to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) for assistance. Although a representative visited the site to assess the facility and draft cost estimates for necessary renovations, the proposed intervention did not materialize, leaving the university to manage the repairs alone.
7Unanswered Financial Transparency Questions
Despite his response, the dean did not address specific questions regarding the allocation of student fees. The investigation noted that students pay a 5,000 Naira facility improvement fee and a 30,000 Naira utility charge. The report estimated that these fees could generate over 138 million Naira, yet the hostel's condition remains dire.
8Verification of Administrative Claims
To substantiate his claims of improvement, Professor Piwuna suggested that the media verify his actions with former student leaders and representatives of associations for blind and deaf students. He insisted that while the hostel is not at an ideal standard, the narrative of total neglect by the university is factually incorrect.
9The Reality of Campus Infrastructure
The September site visit confirmed that significant accessibility challenges remain despite the dean's cited interventions. The presence of stones, potholes, and lack of ramps continues to hinder students with disabilities. The gap between the administration's stated efforts and the physical reality on the ground highlights a persistent failure in campus infrastructure management.
10Communication and Accountability Gaps
The dean admitted to missing initial inquiries from the press, stating he had overlooked the WhatsApp messages sent on 12 October. This communication lapse delayed the university's official response until after the investigation was published. The incident underscores the tension between institutional transparency and the urgent needs of vulnerable student populations.
11Ongoing Struggle for Accessibility
The situation at the University of Jos reflects broader challenges in Nigerian higher education regarding the maintenance of public facilities. As the dean acknowledged, the lack of consistent funding and administrative follow-through prevents the creation of truly inclusive environments. Students continue to wait for a clear timeline for comprehensive and necessary facility renovations.
12Implications for Future Oversight
This exchange demonstrates the role of investigative journalism in holding public institutions accountable for the welfare of marginalized groups. By forcing a public acknowledgment of the hostel's state, the report has placed pressure on the university to prioritize accessibility. Future developments will depend on whether the administration translates these acknowledgments into tangible, funded improvements.