Before your admission into the University of Ibadan, you probably sacrificed many sleepless nights preparing for entrance examinations — A-Level, UTME, and Post-UTME. Your success in these exams earned you a place at Nigeria’s premier university. When the admission letter finally arrived, it was a moment of pure joy for you, your family, and your loved ones. After all, the prestige attached to being a UI student is hard to ignore. Now that you are at the University, it is important to let wisdom guide your steps.

The University of Ibadan is full of highs and lows. As a fresher, beyond academic hustle, it is crucial to prepare for other kinds of challenges. Unfortunately, some of these battles may not be fought on your behalf by student leadership at your hall, faculty, department, or even the Students’ Union, which ideally exists to amplify your voice and represent your collective interests. You now have new realities and responsibilities to embrace, and they require your critical understanding.

One of the first challenges you are likely to face is the poor state of hostel facilities. Don’t be surprised if your excitement about starting your academic journey in the “first and best” university quickly fades after discovering that your assigned room is outdated and infested with bed bugs. These “old soldiers” will test your resilience. Returning students will tell you the touching tales. Sleepless nights, constant itching, and allergic reactions are common consequences of these overbearing pests. Worse still, the condition of many restrooms on campus is appalling. Infections from unhygienic facilities are not unheard of, and you may find yourself trekking long distances just to find a usable restroom. Protect your health. Your longevity depends on it.

Another reality you must prepare for is the erratic power supply on campus. What was once a reliable electricity supply has, since July 2024, become increasingly inconsistent. Power outages occur weekly — certainly monthly — especially during critical periods like exams. It is not uncommon to see students flocking to Access Bank UI, the Eco-friendly Centre, off-campus Agbowo, or other locations in search of electricity.

Lecture theatres, where you’ll receive your academic instruction, are often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lacking basic amenities. Imagine sitting on the floor or standing at the back during lectures. It happens. Large classes without public address systems can make it difficult to hear or understand your lecturers. These are not exaggerations. They are the lived experiences of Uites. Unfortunately, academic concerns like these have been repeatedly ignored by past and even current student leaders. We cannot recall a significant address by the university management regarding this issue too.

Academic pressure in UI is intense. The system can overwhelm even the brightest minds. From impromptu tests to clashing timetables and a heavy workload crammed into an 11-week calendar, the academic structure gives students barely enough time to breathe, let alone study comprehensively. This condensed schedule has already led to underwhelming performance among students. Some may have to withdraw.

Regarding your non-academic life, expect to be approached by numerous campus organizations — religious or student-led — all eager to welcome you with promises of exposure, growth, and opportunity. This is a long-standing UI tradition. But before you jump in, pause and reflect on what truly aligns with your personal goals, values, and mental well-being. Your social awareness on campus matters. Attend transformative events, participate in sports, embrace leadership responsibilities, and always give your best.

The excitement of campus life can easily sweep you off your feet. Amidst the newfound freedom and opportunity, distractions abound. If unchecked, they can derail your academic journey. In UI, there are two notorious academic pitfalls. They are “tsunami” and “erosion.” “Tsunami” refers to automatic withdrawal from the University due to poor academic performance. “Erosion” is a transfer to a less competitive faculty after failing to meet your current department’s grade requirements. These are not mere metaphors, they are very real consequences of academic indiscipline. Be intentional about your studies and growth.

Know the System That Governs You

You must understand the governance system of the University. Your entire campus journey depends on it. Understanding the structures and the people elected to represent you at all levels is essential. It helps you hold yourself and your representatives accountable. Do not revere student leaders as untouchable figures at the expense of your welfare. They were elected to serve your collective interests. Cooperate with them, only as necessary.

Student representatives exist at every level, in your hall, department, faculty, and the Students’ Union. When faced with challenges such as electricity problems or extortion by campus transporters, they are your first point of contact. For instance, transportation and electricity concerns fall under the jurisdiction of the Students’ Union House Secretary. Remember, you have more power than you think. Your greatest political power lies within the Students’ Union Congress. It is the highest decision-making body on campus. What is decided there is binding.

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC), currently in its 12th assembly, functions as the legislative arm of the Students’ Union. This Council makes decisions that directly affect you. For instance, before your arrival, the SRC approved an increase in basic dues from ₦3,000 to ₦4,000. To some students, the Council resembles Nigeria’s National Assembly. Consider attending its sittings. Observe how your interests are being represented. Applaud their good works and call them out when they fall short. You must ensure that they are concerned with advocacy than with post-sitting refreshments.

You have a role to play in campus matters that affect you. Sometimes, you may be the architect of your own challenges. Never hesitate to speak out. If your floor experiences power issues, as it is a recurring trend, report it to your floor representative. He or she didn’t get a box room to leave you in darkness. If you’re being extorted by campus transporters, file a formal complaint to the Students’ Union House Secretary. Speak to the press. Share your stories or concerns with them. This is how you ensure your issues are not only heard but acted upon.

We Have a History 

There is no excuse for misunderstanding the sociology of the University of Ibadan, especially the student community. The UI student body has a rich history. Don’t let detractors convince you otherwise. We have a legacy of excellence in academics, sports, extracurriculars, and activism in defense of public interest.

Know that you are stepping into a stream of history. There have been good times and hard times. Your increased fees, for instance, are partly the result of a failed Students’ Union leadership. Led by a neoliberal character, Aweda Bolaji and his co-travelers. The past administration misrepresented student interests, particularly the fee hike agitation.

Aweda’s misrepresentation began on May 13, 2024, when three students – Mide Gbadegesin (700-level, Institute of African Studies), Aduwo Ayodele (400-level History), and Nice Linus (400-level Law) – were arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Army for peacefully protesting against the imminent fee hike during the administration’s inauguration. Student leaders stood by in silence. These three students have been victims of their brave actions ever since.

Worse still, that same administration falsified the resolution of the August 17 Congress. Students had repeatedly condemned the management’s decision to increase fees. Yet, misrepresentation by Aweda and his allies led to an unsolicited three-week break. The aftermath was tragic. Students turned to crowdfunding, unideal activities, and even selling their IVF eggs. It was a blow to human dignity.

As a fresher, don’t rebel unnecessarily, but don’t be passive either. Know the system and do your best to improve it. If you stay silent, decisions will be made for you, often to your detriment. This editorial is not meant to scare you. It is simply our two cents. Life at the University of Ibadan is not just about academics. It is about navigating the social and political realities that shape your experience. You will survive here, if you choose to stay informed, involved, and intentional.

Do have a rough road!