Addressing the Challenges Facing IBB University
By Hassana Suleiman Kandi,
Progress, innovation, and societal development in the 21st century rely heavily on investment in education and human capital. Yet, universities worldwide face unique challenges, and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), located in Niger State, is no exception.
The issues at IBBUL echo some of Nigeria’s broader difficulties, from insecurity to an unreliable power supply, poor internet connectivity, and a high cost of living. These factors impact not only the university’s functionality but also the quality of education and the well-being of its students.
At IBBUL, students encounter additional hurdles that disrupt their academic experience and mental health. The university’s lecture halls are often overcrowded, with many rooms unable to accommodate even half of the students in a course.
This scarcity of space forces students to stand outside classrooms, missing valuable lessons or using windows as support to catch fragments of lectures. The lack of seating has become a common barrier, leaving many students struggling to participate and keep up with their studies.
Adding to these difficulties is the issue of nonfunctional computer systems used for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exams. System failures are frequent, and it is not unusual for students to experience missing grades or postponed exams due to these technical issues.
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During exams, students are sometimes locked out after three login attempts, with no option to re-enter due to system restrictions. Recently, the university mandated a fee for something called “CBTification,” requiring students to pay for access to the exam portal. This directive, issued just weeks before last semester exams, created significant stress for students, many of whom feared the consequences of missing the deadline.
Although the fee was paid, many students still faced challenges accessing their exams as scheduled, resulting in further delays and prolonged stress during what should have been a time of academic focus. Another frequently raised concern is the quality of care at the university’s health clinic.
Students report neglect by health workers, limited access to necessary medications, and frequent instructions to purchase drugs from off-campus pharmacies. This lack of adequate healthcare has left students feeling unsupported, with their repeated calls for improved services largely unheard by the administration.
These issues highlight a significant gap in effective management at IBBUL. Students, who have paid for the services they expect to receive, are left disappointed and frustrated. Universities should provide environments where students can thrive, not struggle against preventable obstacles.
A student’s journey should be one of growth, not constant battles for resources and attention. This is a call for action, a plea for acknowledgment and change. Students’ voices deserve to be heard, and their demands for a better educational experience should not go unnoticed. Every student at IBBUL has the right to an environment that supports their learning, well-being, and future aspirations.
Hassana Suleiman Kandi is a student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai and an intern at PRNigeria. She can be reached at [email protected]
