By: Eniola Oluwamuyiwa

In the university of Ibadan, convocation is a time-honored tradition that blends academic excellence with ceremonial grandeur. It is a season of pride and glamour for graduates but alongside, it offers the opportunity for the university to present itself in its finest light. However, alongside the joyous celebrations, another tradition unfolds—an almost miraculous flurry of campus repairs and maintenance. High-traffic roads, such as those leading to Saint Anne’s, Tedder, CMF, ITH, Awo, and Abadina, are patched while the surrounding gardens are meticulously pruned. It’s always as though the university sheds its daily weariness to dazzle its esteemed guests! This recurring spectacle sparks a thought-provoking question: why does this surge of care and attention seem reserved for convocation? What does this say about the university’s approach to the day-to-day welfare of its community?

As convocation draws near, the University environs suddenly awaken to a flurry of activity. Roads that have borne the brunt of wear and neglect for months suddenly receive attention. Workmen appear overnight, filling potholes and smoothing surfaces as though they’ve been waiting for this moment all year. The university’s sprawling lawns, previously left to grow wild, are tamed with precision, their edges crisp and symmetrical, inviting admiration. Buildings, faded by time, are revitalized with hurried paint jobs, their vibrant hues masking the years of disregard beneath. We have seen this year in and year out, remember last year we suddenly started seeing road directions renovations and you would wonder what was the wait for before.

You would also wonder why this is an issue that shouldn’t it be a thing of joy to see repairs being done? The answer is this, this spectacle of rejuvenation is short-lived. Once the applause fades and the proud graduates take their leave, all forms of renovations come to a standstill. Roads hastily repaired return to the state they were before. You consistently bump into different holes. The campus, so briefly transformed, reverts to its usual state, bearing the scars of maintenance that seems more performative than purposeful. 

This cyclical burst of convocation-driven upkeep reveals a concerning trend. While the university spares no effort in creating a stunning stage for its moment of glory, the rest of the academic year tells a different story—a story of neglect and deferred responsibility. It raises the pressing question: why is maintenance treated as a seasonal performance rather than a consistent priority?

For students and staff at the University of Ibadan, the year-round reality of poorly maintained infrastructure is more than an inconvenience—it is a daily obstacle. Navigating roads riddled with potholes becomes an exercise in endurance, with vehicles jolting through uneven paths and pedestrians forced to tread cautiously to avoid muddy puddles. Lecture halls with faulty chairs and unused interactive whiteboards remind the academic community that comfort and functionality are luxuries, not guarantees. 

Worse still is the perception this trend creates. By prioritizing appearances over consistent maintenance, the university risks sending a message that image matters more than substance. Instead of investing in sustainable infrastructure development, the focus remains on temporary fixes meant to impress outsiders. This cycle erodes trust in the administration’s commitment to long-term growth and the well-being of its community, leaving students and staff to wonder if their needs are only acknowledged when the world is watching.
 
The recurring pattern of convocation-driven maintenance at the University of Ibadan paints a telling picture of its priorities. Resources, it seems, are allocated not with the daily needs of the university community in mind, but with the goal of impressing guests during high-profile events. This approach underscores a reactive, rather than proactive, attitude toward campus upkeep, signaling that aesthetics for the sake of external validation often outweigh the functional needs of students and staff. 

To the university community, this trend sends a sobering message that their day-to-day struggles with inadequate facilities may not warrant immediate attention. For external stakeholders, the dazzling transformation during convocations might initially impress, but the ephemeral nature of these efforts raises questions about the institution’s commitment to genuine, sustained development. What does it say about a university when its most visible improvements are fleeting, timed for ceremonial showcases rather than sustained quality? 

In contrast, institutions that prioritize continuous maintenance exemplify a deeper understanding of their mission. Universities that invest in year-round infrastructure upkeep demonstrate a commitment to the holistic well-being of their community, fostering an environment where learning thrives without the distraction of failing facilities. These institutions embody the principle that a consistently maintained campus is not just a foundation for academic excellence but also a reflection of respect for those who live, learn, and work within its boundaries. 

For the University of Ibadan, embracing such a model would mean shifting its focus from short-term spectacle to long-term impact—an approach that could redefine not only its campus but its legacy.


To break the cycle of convocation-driven maintenance, the University of Ibadan must embrace a proactive approach to campus development. At the heart of this shift should be a year-round maintenance schedule that prioritizes enduring solutions over cosmetic quick fixes. Potholes should be filled with quality materials that withstand wear, buildings should be renovated with durability in mind, and landscaping should become a regular activity rather than a seasonal performance. This consistency would not only enhance functionality but also build pride in the campus environment. 

The university could also foster a more inclusive approach by involving students and staff in identifying areas in need of attention. Creating accessible feedback channels, whether through suggestion boxes, online surveys, or open forums would empower the campus community to contribute to its upkeep. This collective involvement ensures that overlooked issues are addressed and that solutions reflect the needs of those most affected. 

Equally critical is the need for transparency in budgeting and resource allocation. Publishing detailed plans for infrastructure spending and progress reports would reassure stakeholders that the university is committed to tackling recurring challenges head-on. This openness would also encourage accountability, ensuring funds are directed toward meaningful improvements rather than superficial enhancements timed for major events. 

Sustainable campus development is not about perfection; it’s about consistent care, thoughtful planning, and active collaboration. By adopting these recommendations, the University of Ibadan can create an environment that supports academic excellence and community pride all year long, not just during the fleeting brilliance of convocation season.