An actively spent day at the University of Ibadan may come with a faint feeling of stress. Wading through the University’s difficult, metaphysical passages as a fresh student can however be eased with an adequate knowledge, especially of places and the fraction of function they serve.

In the TELESCREEN, a debut visual column at Indypress, featuring photo-synthetic stories centered on livelihood at the University of Ibadan, the duo, Bolaji Eiseke Tosin, a Postgraduate Student and Documentary photographer; and, Aduwo Ayodele, a Campus Journalist with IndyPress; spotlights nine noteworthy places, which fresh students should know.

Kunle Adepeju Memorial Students’ Union Building

(Credit: Kunle Adepeju Memorial Students’ Union Building, Eyieke Visuals)

Freshly painted, the Students’ Union Building is located at the center of the University’s bustling life. Named after Kunle Adepeju, a student shot to death by a gun-toting Nigeria Police Officer, during a peaceful pro-welfare students’ demonstration in February 1971. The Union’s building is commonly believed to be a home for students, as it houses students’ leaders who swore yearly ‘to foster the general interests of its members’. The building plays host to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, cafeterias, several student organizations’ secretariats, and resource centers. The building was dedicated to the total liberation of students against exploitation, discrimination, oppression, and any other social vices.

Kenneth Dike Library

(Credit: Kenneth Dike Library, UI. Eyieke Visuals)

Every University should have a sufficiently equipped library. Named after the first indigenous Principal and former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Dike. The library is ranked appreciably in the community of libraries in the Commonwealth. Between 2002 and 2007, the University Library received funding support from Mac Arthur Foundation. The library has an electronic classroom and a computer laboratory. The Kenneth Dike Library contains about 700,000 and over 1,000 seats arranged for readers. It opens between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Registration is mandated to obtain a reader’s ticket, which is transferable and must be presented, on demand. The library offers services like book loans, reservations, reference services, reprographic services, and bindery services.

Religious Centres

(Credit: Statue of Freedom. Eyieke Visuals)

The University of Ibadan is a public non-sectarian institution. It however has provision for members of the University-wide community to practice their religious faith. The University has two Christian chapels and a Mosque. The chapels are the Protestant Chapel of Resurrection and the Catholic Chapel of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom. The Chapel is famous for its tomb-like architectural design. It houses the celebrated work of the Nigerian artist and sculpturist, Ben Enwonwu. The Mosque, on the other hand, opens daily for the five daily obligatory prayers. Every Friday, the mosque is replete with the faithful who come to pray. During the holy fasting month, special supplications, Tarawih, Qiyamu’l-Layl or Qiyamu Ramadhan are observed.

In the image indicated above is a statue of freedom. The bronze statue was dedicated to peace and freedom of worship at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, by Professor Olufemi Bamiro, former Vice-Chancellor.

The Movie Hub – Drapers Hall

(Credit: Drapers Hall, Institute of African Studies, UI. Eyieke Visuals)

Located along Cross Road is the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, a department exclusive to postgraduate students. As a learning center, it offers courses with focus on African History, Culture, Indigenous Languages and Gender Studies amongst others. Within its complex is the Drapers Hall which serves as a hub for intellectual discussions and gatherings, such as the Thursday Film Series. For any student, whether graduate or postgraduate, keen on exploring along Afrocentric lines, the Institute of African Studies is a place to visit.

ITEMS

(Credit: ITEMS, UI. Eyieke Visuals)

Information Technology and Media Services (ITems) is in charge of the University’s technology and media operations. This includes overseeing the University Media Center, which acts as a focal point for all media-related events and resources. Additionally, ITems is in charge of Diamond FM 101.1 MHz, the University Radio Station, which delivers entertainment and information to the school community. ITems also manages the University Management Information System, which enables the efficient management of administrative and academic information. Furthermore, ITems controls the Information Technology unit, which is in charge of implementing and maintaining the university’s IT infrastructure. ITems is conveniently located across from the Student Union Building. It is also conveniently positioned between the CGS Center and the Department of Philosophy, making it central to many campus events.

In addition to these obligations, ITems assists students with their technology needs. They help to resolve difficulties linked to school mail, ensuring that communication inside the university operates efficiently. They also assist with issues relating to school portals, ensuring seamless access to academic and administrative resources.

AWO Stadium

(Credit: AWO Stadium. Eyieke Visuals)

Awo Stadium is the University’s main stadium, located off Barth Road and directly across from Imo Road. It acts as a focal point for sports and student activities. The majority of football games and important athletic events on campus take place at Awo Stadium. It serves as a gathering place for students and creates a lively atmosphere for athletic tournaments and community events. The stadium is designed to accommodate a variety of sports, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among the university community. Landmarks around Awo Stadium are Obafemi Awolowo Hall and Faculty of Technology.

Trenchard Hall

Named after Hugh Trenchard, a Marshal of the Nigerian Royal Air Force in the 20th century, Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, is located towards the end of Oduduwa Road and at the start of Mellanby Road. It shares physical proximity with the Central Admin Building — Tekenamuno Building. Trenchard Hall is majorly used for events like public lecture, social events as well as the swearing-in ceremony. It also houses the University of Ibadan Cultural Heritage Museum which is marked within a gallery inside the Trenchard Hall, facing the Tower Court. It houses a number of artifacts.