The forgotten post office mailboxes of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
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By Charly Agwam
In the bustling city of Bauchi stands a testament to the past: a row of post office mailboxes in front of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.
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Once a hub of communication, these mailboxes have been rendered obsolete by the relentless march of time. Today, they stand as a nostalgic reminder of an era gone by, and replaced by the convenience of modern technology.
As one walks past the university, it’s hard not to notice the mailboxes, now empty and still. They attest to the rapid evolution of technology and the way it has transformed human lives.
While the world has moved on to emails, text messages and social media, the mailboxes remain, a reminder of a slower, more patient time.
As the years went by, the mailboxes fell into disuse, and the post office ceased to deliver mail to the university. The building that once housed the post office was repurposed, and today it serves as a retail outlet for cooking gas.
In the not-so-distant past, these mailboxes were the lifeline of communication for students, lecturers, and staff. They received letters, packages, and important documents, which were eagerly awaited by the recipients.
The cooking gas retail outlet, with its vibrant colours and bustling activity, is a far cry from the quiet, methodical world of postal services. The smell of gas cylinders and cooking equipment fills the air, a stark contrast to the scent of paper and ink that once dominated the post office.
Speaking to Arewa voice, a former student of the university, who is now a senior civil engineer with a major construction company in the State, Abbas Liman, shared his experience of the waning mail system that once commanded the attention of everyone.
“I am being reminded of the good old days. You see, everyone looked forward to when responses to their letters would be received. So, the sound of the mailman’s knock on the door was music to many ears.
“I was a child of a railway worker whose dad was always on transit. So, you can understand the eagerness with which I waited for messages from my dad. Looking back now, it wasn’t easy but relish those moments because the waiting taught us patience and our patience was met with love that I cannot describe,” he said.
Meanwhile, a student, who didn’t want to be mentioned, told Arewa Voice how the repurposed mailbox house which now serves as a gas station has helped to reduce walking distance to buy cooking gas.
“It is helping a lot. I am happy that the facility was not left to lay waste without contributing to our well-being,” the student noted. “I give credit to the vendor who is now using the facility for something that is of benefit to the university community. Imagine the distance I would have walked to get gas if this wasn’t here.”
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, established in 1975, has a rich history of academic excellence. Located along Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi, the university has been a centre of learning and innovation.
Students and staff alike rely on their mobile devices and computers to stay connected. The university’s website and online portals provide access to important information, and email has become the preferred mode of communication.
As the world continues to evolve, it’s unlikely that the mailboxes will be restored to their former glory. However, they remain an important part of history, a reminder of the way things were done in the past. For those who remember the days of handwritten letters and eagerly awaited mail, the mailboxes serve as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time.
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