By Charles Maduka
Students of the University of Lagos, (UNILAG), have decried the consistent increase in noise pollution within the University environment, due to the constant marketing of brands and sale of products on campus.
This constant practice is capable of interfering and distracting students from lectures, reading, and carrying out assignments and even their non-academic tasks.
According to section 177 (1) of the Lagos state Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, “It is an offence to engage in any of the following activities in private or public places:
- Display or engage in selling musical records, playing musical instruments or songs, and/or use of a public address system in public places.
- Use of a public address system or loud speakers to propagate beliefs or ideas, advertise any goods, or solicit and disseminate information in any residential place.
- Use of a public address system or loud speakers to solicit for passengers or advertise goods at parks, markets, or public places.”
Starnews , observed that this practice, of playing loud music in different parts of the university, have become constant, most especially in the Moremi/Mariere axis, the main campus car park, New Hall areas, and sometimes around King Jaja Hall. These areas are very close to academic buildings and lecture halls.
A student of the Faculty of Science, who simply identified himself as Solomon, told our reporter that the noise pollution on campus do not provide a calm atmosphere for learning at all.
“When you try to read, for your continuous assessment, or to create content for brands you work with, the noise does not help matters at all.”
“I think the university should do something about it as fast as possible, because exams are fast approaching. However, they need to make money so these people can be restricted to do their thing from 5:00 PM at least, by then, most academic activities would have been concluded.”
A student of the Department of Mass communication (name withheld), revealed that the noise around academic buildings are becoming unbearable and should be looked into.
“Students cannot concentrate because brands are everywhere playing music, especially in Moremi Garden which is very close to Mass Communication Department. The university authorities should do something about it,” he remarked.
A source familiar with the issue who do not want to be quoted told Starnews, that when this brands apply to the university, the Student Affairs division consider how the product can benefit the students academically, financially or otherwise, before receiving payment for activation.
“I don’t think it is right to grant a brand activation around academic areas, such as the libraries and lecture rooms. Even in the hostels, students going to the reading rooms will not be able to concentrate in preparing for their tests and exams because of the loud music.”
The source disclosed that these brands and marketers are given till about 6:00 PM, to carry out their activities. However, monitoring and enforcement is a major problem.
“This is not Yaba or Oyingbo Market where people can just play loud music any how they like. These people can go to the student arenas, such as the Student Union Building (SUB) or the Sports center to carry out this marketing activities,” the source said.
“Frankly, these deals usually benefit the students too. Sometimes, our students work for this brands, learn from them, and purchase their products. They also pay the money into the student welfare account, which in turn is used to assist indigent students; pay their obligation fees, work study, feeding, and accommodation.”
The standard approved noise level in residential areas shall not exceed 55 Decibels during the day, and 45 Decibels during the night, according to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA).
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