The Students’ Union Government of the University of Calabar has procured 500 new mattresses for students living in the institution’s hostels and initiated fumigation of the facilities to tackle bedbug infestation.
The SUG President, Emmanuel Obo, said the intervention followed complaints by students about sleeping on bedbug-infested mattresses in the halls of residence.
He spoke on Monday during the unveiling of the mattresses at one of the hostels on campus.
Recall that in 2016, the university management supplied 698 new mattresses to the hostels.
The then Vice-Chancellor, Zana Akpagu, had, during a visit to the halls of residence, said the mattresses would replace old ones that were already infested with bedbugs.
Obo, while recounting his personal experience as a hostel resident, said the situation had long been a challenge for many students.
“I was immediately confronted with a reality that many of us have endured for years—the deplorable condition of hostel mattresses across our halls of residence. As a proud Malabite who has personally resided in the hostels since my first year, I understood this challenge not merely as an administrative concern but as a lived experience shared by countless students,” he said.
He explained that the intervention was part of the vision of the current SUG administration to prioritise student welfare.
“Guided by the vision of the COMPASS administration, a leadership philosophy built on direction, purpose and service, we resolved that the welfare of students must remain the true north of our leadership. We successfully procured and delivered 500 brand new mattresses dedicated exclusively to the use and comfort of students residing in our hostels,” he added.
Obo said the initiative marks the beginning of programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of students in the university.
“This administration will continue deploying every available instrument of leadership to initiate impactful programmes and deliver meaningful projects that will positively transform the student community,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Offiong Offiong, and the university management for supporting the initiative.
“Sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Offiong E. Offiong, and the entire university management, whose unwavering support and adherence to a students-first policy played a crucial role in making this initiative possible.
“Their cooperation demonstrates a shared vision for a university environment that prioritises the comfort, safety and welfare of its students,” he said.
Obo added that the SUG plans additional interventions to improve comfort and safety for students living in the hostels.
Meanwhile, Offiong had, during a recent inspection of hostel facilities across the campus, pledged the support of the university management for initiatives aimed at improving student welfare.
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