Universities stand as bastions of knowledge, enlightenment, and progress. Within their hallowed halls, young minds are nurtured, ideas are cultivated, and the seeds of future innovation are sown. Yet, amidst the pursuit of intellectual growth, there arises a disturbing trend, one that threatens to compromise the very essence of academia and imperil the well-being of those within its fold. In recent times, the serene campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has been marred by a clandestine activity that poses a significant threat to the entire university community. Illegal mining, happening dangerously close to the university’s staff quarters and the university vital water source, is not only an act of environmental degradation but also a grave danger to the health and safety of thousands of students, faculty, and staff members.
The recent revelation of illegal mining activities within the confines of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has cast a dark shadow over the sanctity of the ivory tower. The proximity of these illicit operations to the university’s water source underscores the inherent dangers that come with the exploitation of precious minerals within a university community. A university is a sanctuary for learning, a haven where minds converge to explore, question, and discover. It is a space designed to foster intellectual curiosity and nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. However, the intrusion of mining activities into the space on campus disrupts this delicate equilibrium, introducing elements of danger and instability into an environment meant for enlightenment.
Mining, by its very nature, is a disruptive and destructive endeavor. The extraction of minerals from the earth’s crust often entails the excavation of vast tracts of land, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Such environmental degradation not only compromises the aesthetic appeal of the campus but also undermines its ecological integrity, disrupting the delicate balance of the natural ecosystems. Moreover, the perils associated with mining extend far beyond mere environmental degradation. The use of heavy machinery, explosives, and toxic chemicals poses significant risks to the health and safety of those involved in the mining process, as well as the surrounding community. Accidents, injuries, and even fatalities are not uncommon in the high-stakes world of mining, casting a pall of fear and uncertainty over the university community.
Perhaps most alarming is the potential impact of mining on the university’s water supply—a lifeline essential for the sustenance of life on campus even as horrible as the water they currently pump from the OAU dam is (The water they pump to the university community has all the qualities of a bad water- It is colourful, ‘odourful’ and ‘tasteful’)! Located adjacent to the mining site is the university dam, a crucial reservoir that supplies water to the campus. This proximity between the illicit mining operations and the water source amplifies the imminent peril that looms over the university community. The contamination of water sources with hazardous chemicals, such as mercury and arsenic, poses grave risks to the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff who rely on this water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes.
Gold mining, particularly illegal and unregulated operations, often involves the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide to extract gold from ore. These chemicals can leach into the surrounding soil and water sources, contaminating them and posing serious health risks to nearby communities. In a university setting, where the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff are paramount, the environmental damage caused by mining activities could jeopardize the well-being of the entire campus community. Again, chemicals used for mining, could cause high incidence of respiratory problems, skin diseases, and other health issues. The presence of such health hazards in close proximity to a university campus would be unacceptable, as it could compromise the health and productivity of students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, the destabilization of land caused by mining activities increases the risk of landslides and soil erosion, further jeopardizing the safety of infrastructure and exacerbating environmental degradation. Mining activities often involve extensive excavation and blasting, which can destabilize the surrounding land and infrastructure. In a university community, where there are buildings, roads, and other infrastructure essential for academic and residential purposes, the risk of structural damage or collapse due to mining operations is simply too great to ignore.
Despite widespread outcry and condemnation from concerned individuals, it is disheartening to note that these illegal activities persist unchecked. What is even more alarming is the apparent complacency of the university management, which hints at potential complicity and profiteering from the illicit mining operations. Such posture and attitude not only undermines the integrity of the institution but also betrays the trust vested in its leadership to safeguard the welfare of its stakeholders. The gravity of the situation demands urgent and decisive action from all stakeholders involved. The university management must demonstrate unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of the campus and the well-being of its community by taking proactive measures to halt these illegal activities and hold accountable those involved. The university community cannot serve as a gold mining site due to the inherent dangers and risks associated with mining activities. Instead, the OAU Management should focus on promoting sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and responsible resource management, setting an example for future generations and contributing to the collective effort to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
