Infrastructure Despite Large Bird Population.
Cobweb-covered roof and deteriorating wooden beams put hundreds of laying hens at risk, observers warn
The poultry unit at Thomas Adewumi University's agricultural farm is housing hundreds of laying hens in battery cages beneath a roof that shows visible signs of structural deterioration  raising questions about animal welfare standards and the safety of workers operating within the facility.
An on-site inspection conducted by our correspondent this week revealed that the ceiling of the poultry house is heavily covered in cobwebs, with several wooden beams appearing worn and weakened. Rusted corrugated iron sheets form the upper structure of the building, with gaps visible in sections of the roofing.
Despite the condition of the facility, the poultry operation remains active. Birds occupy three-tier battery cages running the full length of the building, with the flock estimated by farm workers to number in the hundreds.

Animal science experts say aging poultry infrastructure can compromise ventilation, increase disease risk, and create unsafe working conditions for farm staff. Poor ventilation in particular is a known contributor to respiratory illness among both birds and handlers in enclosed poultry units.
Students assigned to the unit for practical training say they have noticed the poor state of the building but feel unable to raise formal complaints.

The university's Department of Animal Science had not issued any official statement regarding the state of the poultry facility at the time of publication. University management did not respond to requests for comment.