The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Union of Tertiary Educators Bahamas has demanded immediate action over leaking classrooms, mould and rodent infestations at the University of The Bahamas, questioning what became of $25m the union said UB’s president claimed was received for campus improvements.

UTEB said the conditions are undermining the teaching and learning environment and accused the university of failing to resolve longstanding problems despite repeated assurances that repairs and upgrades would be carried out.

“If significant funding has been received for campus improvement, the University community deserves to see meaningful results,” UTEB said. “Promises and assurances are not enough. There must be visible progress, clear timelines, and accountability for how these resources are used.”

The union called on UB’s president to account for repairs completed, work that remains outstanding and progress made following the reported $25m injection.

It also called on the university’s board of trustees to scrutinise how resources have been used and ensure promised improvements are delivered.

“Failure to act in the face of persistent and known deficiencies risks the Board itself being accused of complacency,” UTEB said.

UB acknowledged the union’s concerns yesterday and pledged immediate and sustained action to ensure its classrooms, facilities and workspaces are safe and functional.

The university said remediation work is continuing at its Oakes Field Campus, with priority being given to problems affecting the health, safety and day-to-day experience of students, faculty and staff.

UB said reported concerns are being assessed and necessary repairs and remediation carried out.

The university said faculty may temporarily move classes to hybrid or remote instruction when work affects classrooms in use.

“The University is maintaining close attention to conditions across its facilities and responding to concerns as they arise,” UB said.

The institution also said it is advancing a broader infrastructure improvement programme supported by government funding.

“This investment is enabling the renovation of bathrooms, completion of roofing projects and upgrades to student residences,” UB said. “Further work is planned to improve the university’s residential experience and modernize laboratories and technology-enabled learning spaces.”

UTEB said the latest complaints include structural concerns in the university’s business and culinary blocks, where classrooms reportedly leak during significant rainfall.

The union said water entering classrooms can interrupt instruction, damage equipment, create slip hazards and raise electrical safety concerns.

“A leaking classroom is not an acceptable learning environment,” UTEB said.

It also called for an internal investigation into reports of mould and rodent infestations.

The complaints revive concerns raised last year when UB employees protested over what they described as mouldy classrooms and buildings.

“The University of The Bahamas is the national university,” UTEB said. “Its facilities should reflect the importance of its mission and the value placed on its students and faculty.”

“Our students came to UB to learn,” the union said, “not to leave classrooms because they are leaking, sit in excessive heat, or worry about mould and rodents.”

UTEB called for immediate inspections, repairs to leaking classrooms and laboratories, mould assessments and remediation, alternative classroom arrangements where necessary, continued cleaning and maintenance and consultation with the union.