Accessing potable water within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) community has remained a persistent challenge for both students and residents.
In my first year as a student living in Nkrumah Hall, one of the female hostels on campus, I nearly missed one of my most important exams—not because I didn’t study or prepare, but because of something many people often take for granted: water.
That morning, I woke up around 2 a.m. to revise and get ready. But when I went down to the tap to fetch water, I realized it wasn’t running. Buckets and gallons were already lined up under the dry tap. That was when reality hit me.
As the morning wore on, the situation didn’t change. With no water in sight, some of us had to move from hostel to hostel, carrying buckets in search of even a little to manage. But it was the same story everywhere—dry taps, long queues, and exhausted students.
During exams, the pressure is even worse. Everyone is trying to stay focused, clean, well-fed, and punctual. But without water, everything becomes more stressful. Some students pay to get water from off-campus vendors, while others rely on friends living in nearby lodges. In some cases, students go without bathing or cooking entirely.
It’s painful, but this is the harsh truth many of us at UNN live with. We’ve all had to adapt—waking up before dawn to queue for water, hauling jerrycans across distances, or skipping baths. But it shouldn’t be this way.
This lack of access to basic water doesn’t just affect hygiene; it impacts mental focus, confidence, and overall well-being. Imagine sitting for an exam feeling dirty, tired, and hungry—not because you were irresponsible, but because there was no water.
Access to clean water is a basic human need. As students, we deserve the chance to focus on our education without constantly battling for something so essential. Until this issue receives the urgent attention it requires, many more students will continue to suffer in silence—just as I once did.
Francisca, a student in the Department of History and International Relations and a resident of Odim, shared her experience:
“The water we use in this part of the school is nothing to be proud of. I buy from vendors, and during the dry season, I rely heavily on rainwater for almost everything. Sometimes, my skin, which usually looks fine, starts reacting—mostly because of the poor water quality.”
Her biggest concern, however, is the water she drinks. She described recurring health issues and sudden illnesses that she links to poor water conditions. Things get worse during the dry season, she said, often forcing her to miss classes due to the lack of water for bathing or cooking.
Miss Grace, a visually impaired student in the Department of Guidance and Counseling, also voiced her frustration:
“It’s a major challenge for me, especially when the water stops flowing in the hostel. I struggle to do even the simplest things, let alone go out in search of water. It’s extremely difficult for me and other visually impaired students. We need a better alternative,” she said.
Many students agree that the lack of water has not only posed health risks but also academic setbacks. Beyond the dry taps, they also complain about unreliable water vendors who often fail to deliver when needed most.
Miss Favour, a Mass Communication student and resident of Okeke Hall, shared her daily routine during the dry season:
“I wake up as early as 4 a.m. to search for water and join the queue. Sometimes, if you’re unlucky, there’s no space, and you end up missing lectures—or going without a bath.”
Mr. David, a 400-level Pharmacy student, expressed his concern as well:
“This water issue has far-reaching consequences, from bad odors to disease-causing pathogens. There have been cases of malaria and typhoid, all linked to the unclean water.”
Another female hostel resident added: “I’ve lived in this hostel for years, and water scarcity is always a problem—especially during exams. We need the UNN management to come to our aid,” she pleaded.
Food & Wellbeing1 year ago