By: Timothy Olaniran, Precious Adeola & Tunde Adebayo
The management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan today 8th September,2020 held a town and gown meeting with the landlords of houses in the campus environs on steps put in place for the impending resumption. The Registrar, Mrs Modupe Fawale gave a brief address to the people in attendance, saying the meeting was mainly to emphasize the important role the landlords are to play against the protection of tenants in the institution against COVID 19.
In attendance were; (The Rector) Professor (Engr.) Kazeem Adebiyi, Deputy Registrar, Mr Samuel Olalere, The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Sikiru Adetona Ajibola, Mrs Olugbede (PIC DPP), CSO Mrs. Farube, Comrade Fadare Blessing (SUG President), Doctor Ogunsina, Head of Departments, House owners in accordance to
the Local community development area (LCDA) they were representing.
The Rector gave the opening remark where he thanked all the landlords in attendance, prayed for them and stated that the two main reasons why they called for the meeting.
The was first to ensure the good relationship between them (school management and the landlords) is in good terms. Also, that they could rub minds together on steps to take in ensuring the safety of the students when they resume as resumption seems only weeks away.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Ajibola then spoke about the tenancy agreement leaflet shared to the landlords earlier. He asked them to go through it and air their views on what was highlighted on the leaflet and the safety and security of the students in preparation for the resumption.
A representative of the landlords said that the school wrote in the agreement that the students shouldn’t use hot plates and gas cookers, Dr Ajibola immediately responded that it was just there so the landlords won’t come to them when there is an incident of fire outbreak and that if some landlords are cool with the students using them that its left with them.
They also said that the school should state clearly that squatters are not allowed because on the agreement, all they have is where the landlords and the tenant will sign and no room for the squatters to sign and many of their tenants have squatters.
They also said that meeetings like this should not be done with them alone that the school should invite the agents in charge of most of their houses too because most of the problems are from these agents.
They also said that meetings like this should not be done with them alone that the school should invite the agents in charge of most of their houses too because most of the problems are from these agents.
Furthermore, they implored the management to aid in areas of security in the community. They suggested that the school should speak to the forces to patrol their streets once in a while to avert those who perpetrate atrocities ranging from stealing, harassment, and in few occasions, killing.
Dr. Ogunsina who addressed the landlords on COVID-19 preventive measures; “the few easy steps to take to ensure the safety of everyone upon resumption, this ranged from providing washing hand basins in front of their homes and hand sanitizers and if possible they should make the use of nose masks compulsory and also get an infrared thermometer to check temperatures above 38. The landlords should also fight against the issue of overcrowding, that is, be strongly against squatting and gathering of more than 10 people. He concluded
A landlord spoke up that he feels the school should also speak with the government that the government should organise the COVID-19 tests for the students before asking them to resume.
The DSA then gave the closing remarks whilst speaking on some of the issues highlighted.
Press council correspondents had a brief talk with the dean of student affairs concerning the resumption date amidst rumors of September 21st flying around social media. The Dean simply responded that the school would resume once they receive the green light from the State Government.
As part of covid19 palliative relief to students by the management,they should remove the compulsory hostels fee on students portal and also students who have also paid for hostels a week before lockdown how will they solve this?