Growing Congestion and Safety Concerns

What should ordinarily be a routine academic exercise has allegedly become a daily struggle for students using the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), during examination periods. Students of the institution have raised the alarm over what they described as severe congestion, prolonged queues, poor ventilation, and inadequate facilities, stating the situation is creating unnecessary stress and raising safety concerns for candidates.

According to the students, the problem begins early on examination days, with large numbers of candidates arriving at the centre from as early as 7 am. Queues reportedly extend far beyond the facility, and as the crowd increases, students are sometimes forced to push and struggle for space. Candidates alleged they could spend between three and four hours standing in queues before accessing the facility, an experience described as particularly difficult for those with health conditions or those who are exhausted.

Students came to write their exams and not to fight for their lives.

— Student, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

Concerns have also been raised regarding the internal environment of the centre. Students allege that the facility becomes excessively hot and uncomfortable when large numbers of people gather, leading to instances where some candidates have become weak or fainted. While the specific number of students affected could not be independently established, the student body maintains that the current conditions represent a significant safety hazard.

Infrastructure and Maintenance Challenges

The development has raised questions about the capacity of the ICT infrastructure to cope with the volume of students requiring computer-based examinations. Students argued that spending hours in congested queues, only to enter an uncomfortable environment, undermines their concentration and potential academic performance. They questioned why accessing an examination facility should itself become a test of physical endurance.

This is not normal. This is not ‘part of FUTO stress’. This is a safety hazard.

— Student, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

To address these systemic delays, students have called for comprehensive maintenance of ICT equipment ahead of examination periods. They proposed that the university conduct major technical audits at least one month before exams begin to ensure that a significant majority of systems are operational. The students suggested that maintaining at least 90 per cent functionality across all computers and printers would significantly reduce wait times and improve the speed of service.

Proposals for Shift-Based Systems and Medical Support

As an immediate solution to the congestion, students have called on FUTO management to extend operating hours and utilize additional facilities. A proposed shift system—comprising morning, afternoon, and evening sessions—aims to distribute the student population more evenly and reduce the pressure on the ICT centre during peak periods. They also advocated for a structured queue-management system, involving both security personnel and ICT staff to regulate movement.

Beyond infrastructure, the student body is demanding the provision of basic emergency support at the centre. They proposed the establishment of a first-aid point equipped with drinking water, fans, and medical supplies for students who may experience health difficulties while waiting.

To FUTO Management: Please treat this as urgent. We are not asking for too much. Just a safe space to do school work.

— Student, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

While demanding institutional action, students also appealed to their peers to maintain restraint and avoid actions that exacerbate the congestion, such as jumping queues or engaging in confrontations. The consensus among the students remains that examinations should test academic knowledge rather than the ability to endure hours of physical uncertainty and environmental discomfort.