By: AMOS OLUWATOBI ADEJIMI
What you are about to read is something you probably know or have heard of but not conscious of.
Despite being assumed by many as a “dull” school whose students know nothing beyond securing appointments with the library and burying themselves in books, University of Ibadan is still not a school one can neglect in matters of social life. Second semester in University of Ibadan is usually filled with events, weeks, days that give the semester its liveliness. From Zik Hall’s must watch rally to Queen Idia Hall’s dance steps, the second semester is a ticket to Fun Island in summary. Most political games of the session are also played in large scale in the semester. It is therefore important to be conscious of dances and political lies to avoid regrets.
Major fun avenues in second semester are the many “days” and “weeks” that usually seem unending. Many organisations will in this semester, find reasons to create a “something day” and “so many things week”. If you are a stalite, you might ignore this but if you are a freshman, you should pay attention. These days and weeks happen at critical times when you should study but because it is your first as a student of Unibadan, you might be tempted to join the train. Now, here is my ten kobo, there is no crime in participating in weeks and days but they must not disturb your study time so much that you won’t have time to study. Remember, you can always experience more of these days and weeks in subsequent sessions.
Another icing on the cake of second semester are dinners. Dinners are events many Uites would not want to miss probably because some paid for it, and probably because people become more handsome and beautiful at dinners. Trust me, your class mate whom you have never thought as beautiful can become Princess Cinderella by the magic of make ups and beautiful dinner gowns. Although, many high profile dinners may not hold because of Zik and Idia rift last session, that won’t still rob the second semester of some dinners. Don’t let me bore you, attend dinners but be absolutely conscious that you won’t regret your actions later.
The political tradition in UI is that in second semester, your toilet walls, class room desks and even room doors will be defaced with papers and stickers with bold inscriptions like ALTRUISM 2017, ECONOMY ’17, LEGACY ’17 et al. second semester is a semester to defy reasoning as many walls will be defaced with posters and banners of political aspirants. These are followed by greetings, friendship attempts and sweet talking. You should not be surprised if one day, you wake to find that your WhatsApp notification has been raped by messages from a group you never requested to join. All these are done for just one reason; these aspirants need your votes. If you spit on them or insult them at this period, they are likely not to be offended simply because your vote is important to them. You should not get carried away by the eloquence or fashion taste of the aspirants anyway if you don’t want to regret your actions.
The semester possesses the same week as the first semester but the many events that make up the semester make it seem shorter than the first. It is sweet to engage in the semester’s many activities but these engagements can cause you your future if care is not taken. Welcome to a new semester.
