Professor Chris Piwuna, the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), has responded to findings regarding significant maintenance challenges at the Village Hostel, which serves students with disabilities. His comments come in light of an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES that highlighted accessibility and facility issues impacting these students.
In his dialogue with PREMIUM TIMES, Piwuna acknowledged the need for improvements, noting that while the university has made efforts to enhance conditions, more work is required. He stated that maintaining hostel facilities is an ongoing issue and emphasized that the university would continue striving to provide better accommodations for students with disabilities.
“Hostel maintenance is a huge problem, and I can only say to you we will keep trying our best,” he said, also expressing that reports like those from PREMIUM TIMES help the university remain vigilant about such issues.
The investigation revealed several barriers faced by students at the hostel, including inadequate bathroom access and unsafe conditions around the compound. Reports from students highlighted the absence of ramps and other necessary accessibility features, forcing individuals like Monica Joseph, a wheelchair user, to crawl into the bathroom. Additionally, James Patrick, a visually impaired student, shared his experience of falling due to an unsafe crossing path.
While Piwuna mentioned past improvements, such as repairing doors and sanitary facilities, he did not provide a timeline for completing pending renovations or for implementing accessibility features like ramps and grab rails. He noted that financial and administrative challenges often impede timely maintenance efforts.
Furthermore, Piwuna indicated that the university had sought support from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities for necessary enhancements, but those plans did not materialize.
After the initial investigation was published, the dean contacted PREMIUM TIMES to clarify that he had overlooked their inquiries prior to its release. He encouraged the media to verify his claims with previous student leaders and representatives of disability associations.
Despite acknowledging the need for significant improvements, Piwuna refuted the notion that the university has abandoned its responsibility toward students with disabilities, declaring that ongoing facility maintenance challenges are prevalent across many Nigerian universities.
