Students returned to campus to discover upgraded facilities in the residence halls, and they are not keeping quiet about it. They are excited and motivated that management has taken their welfare to heart. Many of the students who spoke about their experience in the refurbished dorms applauded President Ensign for living up to the promise she made to them regarding renovating their residence halls before they traveled home for the holidays.
President of the Student Government Association Mr. Daniel Omuabor described the renovations as a clear sign that Dr. Ensign's leadership represents a paradigm shift.
"What these repairs mean to us is that change is here; there is leadership that takes responsibility and is committed to the welfare of students. That is a positive change. The university has gone through turbulent times, and one thing that has always comforted us is the hope that things would get better.
"With the new change in leadership, past promises have become priorities. The maintenance of these residential buildings over the break has always been a goal I wanted to see actualized as it was highlighted in my manifesto. I was pleased to know that plans regarding renovations had already been put in place and, over the break, gradually actualized.
"On behalf of the student body, I would like to thank those involved in the planning and implementation of these renovations. It may not seem like much, but by elevating the living standard of students, the university has successfully alleviated the daily pressures of university life. I am glad to see the campus improving and although these renovations aren't fully complete yet, I look forward to more changes to come".
Daniel Ejoh, a second-year two student of the department of Communication and Multimedia Design also expressed his pleasure about the upgrade.
''I am happy with the repairs done in the residence halls, especially the air conditioning and the painting of rooms".
CMD senior, Sakinah Akolade, is very proud of her institution and how it ensures that students' needs are catered to.
"AUN prioritizes the wellbeing of students which is very commendable. I am happy with how the institution works hard to ensure that the environment is kept neat and serene to enable students to study in comfort.''
Miss AUN, Ufa Dania, a final-year CMD major specializing in Radio, TV, and Film expressed delight in returning to meet a clean-and-cut environment.
''I am elated to see the campus clean and well-maintained; the grasses are groomed as they should be, there is a visible difference, in terms of compassion and aesthetics, compared with the last semester''.
Another level four student, Miss Anne Watrahyel Dawha also expressed joy that her air conditioner is working well, her wardrobe is fixed and her room retouched with new gloss.
Simon Caleb, the residence director and budget manager of the student affairs department was full of praises for the management. "Yola can be hot so when residence halls are not cooling well.听 It affects students' comfort and concentrations.
"I am glad that the students are excited with repairs made in the residence halls. Students who study in a comfortable and serene environment tend to be more motivated, engaged, and have a higher overall learning ability. AUN ensures that this is duly prioritized.
Reported by Aisha Bashir