Another session has begun at the premier University. For some, it is just the usual rhythm. Wake up, attend classes, complain about one or two things, adjust, and move on. For those who are known to be freshers, it is a new journey, an entry into an experience they had not encountered before, one they might  have heard about but never truly understood until now.

At the 76-year-old University, there have been recent developments, and these changes have proven to shape the academic endeavors of the students. Some things are no longer the way they used to be, and some systems are simply the modifications of what already existed.

From the accommodation process now digitally structured to reduce congestion during resumption, to the academic curriculum introduced last session with the five point CGPA grading system and the inclusion of core courses, there is evidence that adjustments are being made. But these adjustments are not without their own issues. Questions of adaptability, proper organisation, and execution still linger.

At the same time, national realities continue to influence what defines our learning. Whether directly or indirectly, the economic situation, policy decisions, and social conditions all find their way into the student experience. So, while the system evolves, it does so within a larger environment that is far from stable.

Yet, despite all these changes, our reality is not far removed from the same struggles we have always faced. From the conditions in our hostels, to congested lecture halls, to the question of affordability of school fees, and the daily cost of surviving as a student, the struggles persist. The structure may change, the language may evolve, but the lived experience often remains the same.

The University of Ibadan, as an institution of higher learning, is not different from this contradiction. In one way, your expectations are met. In another, reality tells a completely different story, one that you are forced to confront daily. It is a community that encompasses a diversity of individuals with different backgrounds, disciplines, interests, and aspirations. Yet within this diversity, there is a shared experience, one that binds students together whether they acknowledge it or not. There is a saying that ignorance as well as knowledge guides your action, and your action determines your outcome. You may choose to ignore this truth, but the journey ahead may be rough, full of thorns born from the reality and hardship that define this environment.

For some, this is UI 101. A curriculum that is not written in any handbook, not taught in any lecture hall, but one that you must experience for yourself. Your performance in it is not graded on paper. It is determined by how conscious you are, how aware you are, and how well you are able to navigate the system without being consumed by it.

The Structures That Exist in UI

One unique attribute of the student community is the diversity that exists within it. Like a system made up of many parts, everyone operates within a structure, whether they realise it or not.

To the returning student, this is a refresher. To the fresher, this is a lecture you must take seriously before getting lost in the system. Just like the larger society, there are arms of governance within the student community. There is the executive arm, which includes the Students’ Union executives, faculty executives, departmental executives, and hall of residence executives. These are individuals elected or selected to manage affairs and represent the interests of students across different levels.

The Students’ Union holds the topmost position in this hierarchy, with the responsibility to champion the welfare of students. At least, that is what it is meant to be. However, in recent times, there have been occurrences that raise an important question: who is the union really for? From cases of student victimisation in previous sessions to the noticeable silence in moments that require strong representation, there has been a gradual shift in what unionism looks like on campus. What was once seen as a tool for advocacy is now, in some cases, viewed with doubt. Administrations have come and gone, yet the concerns remain. Silence on critical issues, especially around student welfare and fee struggles, continues to shape perception.

Beyond the union, there have also been accountability concerns across different levels of leadership. From the union to halls of residence, to faculty and departmental executives, there have been multiple allegations and questions raised. These concerns point to a deeper issue, one of accountability, availability, and actual service. Leadership is not meant to be ceremonial. It is not meant to exist only in titles and formal appearances. It is meant to respond when issues arise and to act in the interest of those being represented.

Alongside the executive structure, there exists the legislative arm, known as the Students’ Representative Council.

Across various levels, there are student representatives tasked with making policies and representing their constituencies. At the union level, this includes over 170 members, alongside faculty presidents who double as representatives. They are often referred to as lawmakers within the student system. But beyond the title, the question remains whether representation is truly happening in a way that reflects the needs of the students.

Politics in UI

The reality of student politics at the University of Ibadan is one that many understand, even if they do not openly admit it. Winning a student election, especially the position of Students’ Union President, is rarely based on merit alone, even though qualifications are clearly outlined every year. What often determines success is structure.

Support systems built around halls of residence, faculties, religious bodies, and other student groups play a significant role. These groups mobilise not necessarily because a candidate is the most competent, but because the candidate is familiar, connected, or seen as one of their own. Campaigns are organised, resources are pooled, and in many cases, financial costs are covered collectively. Loyalty becomes a deciding factor, sometimes more than competence. In such a system, merit struggles to stand on its own.

ALSO READ : UI’SU Politics: Don’t Let Them Use You

The Myth of False Productivity

There is also a growing culture of what can be described as false productivity. The idea that being constantly busy equals being productive. Students move from one activity to another, attending meetings, joining groups, engaging in different responsibilities, yet at the end of the day, there is little to show for it in terms of real growth or impact. It becomes a cycle of motion without direction. This is not to say that involvement is wrong. Being active is important. But there is a difference between intentional engagement and scattered participation. Without awareness, it is easy to get lost in doing everything and achieving nothing.

Mental Health and Academic Reality

At the University of Ibadan, students carry a heavy academic burden, and prioritising mental wellbeing is often difficult. Accommodation challenges alone can disrupt the entire academic flow. Some students are still trying to sort out where they will stay, making regular class attendance almost impossible. The University still maintains an academic calendar 

Electricity issues add another layer of stress. Students are forced to move from one space to another just to find a place where they can study or even rest properly. Episodes of these occurrences trailed previous sessions as unannounced electrical interruption occurrences to faulty transformers and delayed response for the maintenance unit. Hostels like Indy Hall, Zik hall face realities like this on different occasions leading to scarcity of water in these crowded hostels.

Financial pressure is constant. For many, the struggle to meet basic needs affects their ability to focus. Some students are pushed into extreme situations just to survive. Academic demands do not make it easier. In some faculties, students are already experiencing sleepless nights, trying to keep up and avoid failure. This pressure is not isolated. It cuts across different departments. When stress is not properly managed, the consequences can be severe. In extreme cases, it leads to tragic outcomes. Mental health is not something distant. It is part of daily reality.

Activities and Organisations on Campus

Despite all these challenges, the University environment is not without its opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate in organisations that contribute to personal and social development. There are academic societies, cultural groups, and social clubs that provide experiences beyond the classroom. These spaces allow students to express themselves, build networks, and find some balance within the pressure of academic life. For many, these organisations become a support system, a place to belong in an environment that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The Journey Ahead

The journey at the University of Ibadan is not the same for everyone. It is not linear, and it is not predictable. It is early mornings and long days. It is a compressed calendar and a heavy workload. It is trying to stay academically afloat while dealing with structural and environmental challenges. It is also navigating campus life, including its politics and social dynamics.

For the mind that knows is the mind that is free.

Ignorance is not an excuse. Awareness matters. Understanding how the system works, knowing your environment, and being conscious of your decisions will shape your experience.

But even with awareness, you must be careful. Do not allow yourself to be used. Not for politics. Not for propaganda. Not for anything that does not serve your growth. Be deliberate in your actions. Be aware of your environment. The road ahead may be rough. It may be shaped by realities that are beyond your control. But it is still your journey to navigate. Welcome to UI.