As a student of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), I take pride in the institution’s commitment to improving learning conditions. Over the years, the management has made commendable efforts to upgrade campus facilities, ensuring a more comfortable and productive academic environment.
However, one pressing issue that continues to disrupt students’ daily lives is the inconsistent water supply in the restrooms.
For any academic institution, access to clean and functional restrooms is non-negotiable. Yet, at NIJ, it is not uncommon to enter a restroom only to find that the toilets cannot flush due to a lack of water.
Sinks often run dry, making it difficult to wash hands—an essential hygiene practice. Strangely, taps in other parts of the campus sometimes flow freely while those in the restrooms remain dry. This inconsistency raises questions about the water distribution system within the school.
The situation becomes even more frustrating when I have to step outside the campus to relieve myself or use facilities in nearby shops and restaurants. Apart from being highly inconvenient, this practice is embarrassing and poses hygiene risks, especially during long lecture hours when leaving the campus is not an option.
Furthermore, the already poor state of some restrooms only worsens the experience. Without a steady water supply, toilets remain unflushed for hours, creating unpleasant odors and an unhygienic atmosphere.
Beyond hygiene, the psychological impact of this issue should not be overlooked. A lack of access to clean restrooms affects students’ focus and comfort. It’s difficult to concentrate in class after enduring the discomfort of an unclean toilet or having to walk around looking for water to flush. This is a disruption that should not exist in a learning environment.
To address this issue, the school administration should take immediate and long-term measures.
The school should invest in large water drums and strategically place them near restrooms so that students and cleaning staff have access to backup water during shortages.
If the problem stems from uneven water distribution on campus, adjustments should be made to ensure that restrooms receive priority whenever water is available.
Installing manual pumps or keeping long hoses connected to a water source could serve as a quick fix to supply water when taps run dry.
The school should consider connecting the water pumping system to a separate petrol-powered generator, ensuring that water can still be pumped during power outages.
A structured water distribution plan should be put in place so that every restroom gets a steady supply, especially during school hours when demand is high.
Utility staff should be directed to pump and store enough water at night when electricity supply is more stable, ensuring there is sufficient water for use the next day.
Water supply in restrooms is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The school has made notable strides in improving student welfare, and addressing this issue would further solidify NIJ’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment.
Students deserve access to clean and functioning restrooms, and it is the responsibility of the administration to make that a reality.
