Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is renowned for its striking aesthetic appeal and well-maintained environment that fosters a sense of safety and serenity for all. However, this reputation is gradually fading as overgrown grasses have begun to take over several key areas of the campus. In recent times, the lack of regular maintenance has led to unchecked vegetation in places once admired for their beauty and order.
The issue of overgrown grass has escalated, particularly in the halls of residence. This is evident in places like 1000 seaters, some parts of Moremi Hall, ETF, PG hall and other notable places on campus. The grass has grown to heights that are beyond acceptable which can endanger the lives of the students as it poses a risk to their safety and can as well raise health concerns.
It can be said that the overgrown grass has changed the artistry effects and aesthetics values of the campus. As a result of lack of maintenance and negligence from the appropriate authority, the grasses have overgrown as the regular schedule of cutting the grass has discontinued.
While speaking with Eniola, an undergraduate student residing at the post graduate hall, she noted that the grasses at PG hall have grown and they have not been cleared since she resumed from the Easter break. This can create a hiding place for dangerous reptiles, like snakes, scorpions, termites, etc. It can also increase environmental implications like wildfires.
“I think it is expected for every gardener to make sure the grasses are cut and trimmed regularly. After cutting the excess grasses, they don’t pack them, and they ought to be separated because they will grow again if they are left on that same soil.” She said, according to her, she observed that the number of gardeners cutting the grass is not much compared to the total number of places to clear on campus.
Furthermore, another undergraduate student residing at the PG hall narrated their Monday morning experience while awaiting their turn to fetch from the borehole. Temitayo said, “We were all waiting to fetch when the girls close to the tap pulled attention to something hiding in the drainage. I moved closer when I heard them debate whether it was a scorpion or a big crab. While they were contemplating, a guy went to get a stick to kill whatever was hiding in the drainage. To my utmost surprise, a large black scorpion crawled out of its hiding and was killed. I was scared. I haven’t seen a scorpion that large. Since then, I feel terrified when anything touches my skin, even if it is the leaves. They really need to clear the bushes before it will turn to jungle o.’
In addition, according to an anonymous student, a snake was found in a room in Block H, Moremi hostel. Fortunately, the situation was averted as the snake was successfully killed by the lady in the room. A complaint was also lodged by a student in Moremi about the bush at Block G and J which has resorted to using woods to clear paths before they can successfully spread clothes.
Emmanuel noted that the wardens at ETF hall are already trying their best towards clearing of the grown bushes but there are some other places in the hall that have not been touched.
The issue of overgrown grasses has become a pressing issue that needs to be addressed with immediate effect. By implementing regular maintenance, and allocating appropriate funding to ensure proper execution of duties, the campus can become a safer and healthier environment.