Special Report: "Cleanliness is next to godliness"- Bakassi Residents Troop Out For Sanitation

 

Shuaib Ibrahim Hanif reports,

On Saturday 28 October 2023, amidst GST lectures and Hiking, Bakkasi Block A and B residents in unity conducted the first hostel sanitation to be held under the coordination of their Hall governors.

At exactly 7:30 am, the Hall governor of Block A2 Bakasi Hostel, Abdurahman Abdulraheem went room by room to announce the commencement of the anticipated sanitation, meanwhile, most of the residents of Bakkasi Hostel were either preparing for the GST lecture or Hiking.

Notwithstanding, he kept faith with the call and gradually only a few felt the need for their hygiene rather than lectures or Hiking.

Speaking with our reporter, Abdurahman Abdulraheem, appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Dean of Students' Affairs and the hostel patron for their maximum support.

"Environmental cleaning is a collective responsibility as such we saw the need for the project and we took the lead by doing a thorough clean up and breaking the jinx of cleaning our water tank and extending our corridors and toilets," he added.

Residents Speak on the Exercise

"Personally I have something to do today but it hurts me to know that the environment I stay and the water I drink are unhealthy. Considering the fact that I had always felt bad about the water tanks, I gave more priority to sanitation because the water we drink matters the most. Meanwhile, as for the internal sanitation, I personally used to clean my room and my corridor before anybody," Abdulhakeem Mubarak, a Block A resident told Vanguard Press. 

Another block A resident, Idris Ibrahim submitted his observations, saying: "I was delighted when I heard the announcement of the clean up in the masjid, although this is general sanitation that each every one of us is expected to participate. Because some of our roommates went hiking, I think they don't know the importance of hygiene because, after the hiking, everyone will still come back to the hostel which we have cleaned. Those rooms that are close to the toilet at least they can breathe fresh air even if it is for a day".

"Finally I dare all those people that think boys are dirty to come and see how bakkasi boys are cooperating for their environmental matters," he added.

Abdullahi Habibu one of the cleaners assigned to block B expressed his joy at the support received from the hall residents during the process, "We are very grateful. I never expected that the students could coordinate themselves to work with us and considering the fact that they also have books to read and they still spare some time to work with us shows how human they are".

Another resident of the hostel Samuel Jeremiah, expressed how energetic he was towards sanitation, noting that he is willing to wash the VC's apartment if possible. 

"Cleanliness is next to godliness. We don't really need to wait for the school authority before we do everything, we have to do the cleaning. With the joy in me and my friends, we can clean even the Vice-chancellor's house's surroundings if possible".

Hall Governors, Students' Leaders React 

In an interview with the Hall Governor of Block B2, Salim Muhammad Dangi, noted the efforts he and other hall governors made to see that sanitation was conducted. "We hall governors met with the Deputy Dean of Students' Affairs last week about our plans on this hostel sanitation. Having gotten approval, we then announced it to everyone and now here we are. Currently, in my block, we have gone far with cleaning as you can see from the rooms, the corridors, and the toilets were cleaned and as you know being human, we need refreshment so we got candies so that it will serve as a morale for those working".

Abdulkarim Umar Gwade, Bakkasi A1 hall governor, also lauded the efforts of everyone who partook in the sanitation exercise including the hall governors. 

"I appreciate the efforts of everyone that turned out for the clean up including the hall governors of Block A2, B1, and B2. As you can see, we are trying to empty the tanks so we can wash them and we have tried our best to reduce the grass in its surroundings. As for inside the hostel, we are still on it cleaning," he said.

In his words, Aliyu Muhammad Nazir, Block B1 hall governor, said that the support he got from his hall residents was overwhelming. "We are happy with the way people gave us support for this work because this sanitation has been the first of its kind and we urge them for more support when next we call for".

Hassan Sani, the third imam of Bakkasi Masjid commended the cooperation from hostel members and the school management emphasizing that he anticipated more of this kind of sanitation.

Ibrahim Khalifa, a resident and student leader said. "I appreciate the cooperation of the students and the hall governors on this sanitation because it has been an orientation that has been laid down from the past CTC administration where we volunteer to clean the water tanks".

"Two weeks ago, I met the CTC Welfare Director and I expressed my concern to him for the administration to look into how to wash various water tanks to reduce water diseases. I was very surprised to see that the hall governors came up with the same idea so I gave maximum support from my end as I went to block A and B to give support and some encouragement," he added.

Anybody who wishes to clean their hostel toilets, compounds or room can reach out to me for equipment like brooms and detergent, he said.

"The best service is the service to humanity because this shall stand as our legacy and our good work reflects our character. I thank the hall governors of both blocks and myself for the effort put in place for this cleanup," he added.

He noted, "Currently speaking, I contacted a friend that he should get us covers for our water tank unknown to me that it has been provided already. So, I urge all Student leaders and the management to take the call for the importance of clean water for students," he concluded.