When you come across a well dressed young man, vehemently arguing and threatening to do battle with a bus conductor in Lagos, don’t walk away like most people do, wait till the fight is over and ask the young man this question;
Are you a Zikite (a resident of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall)?
8 out of 10 replies would be positive. Those were the graduates of the University of Ibadan (U.I.) who were “unfortunate” to be offered accommodation in the institution’s most popular hall of residence.
Zikitesare known for their uncompromising stand against injustice. They take this too far sometimes, that is why the institution’s central administration has consistently branded the hall as “HAVEN OF THUGS AND NOTUORIOUS ELEMENTS”. Zik hall, as it’s popularly called, is also believed to be a republic of Kalakutaand Fela would not have hesitated making it an extension of his liberal kingdom, were he to be alive.
It is of a general saying that “WHENEVER ZIK HALL SNEEZES, THE WHOLE UNIVERSITY CATCHES COLD”. Undoubtedly so, the hall over the years has been known for her forefront in the struggle for a better life for the students. Simply put, the hall is known for her dauntless stand and unending march to express certain students’displeasure or discomfort to the administrative arm of the institution. “Aluta Continua, Victoria aserta!”
Have you heard of “Zikism”?
Though disapproved by lots of religious minded persons, it is the philosophy that defines the lifestyle of residents inZik hall. Zikites are an unusual lot. The ladies that go through Zik hall to their respective hostels can do a better description of Zikites. The hall’s geographical location also, doesn’t help matter. The hall is one among the halls branded as being at the “OTHER SIDE OF THE SCHOOL” even by the institution’s central administration. The hall is located very close to the University’s zoological garden, so Zikites enjoy the privilege of being woken up daily by the roar of the zoo’s lion. People have attributed the strong behavior of Zikites to the proximity of the hall to the zoological garden.
Call them what you want but Zikites are intelligent, God fearing, resourceful and law abiding. Right from the inception in the 60’s, Zik hall has continued to produce men that have done the nation proud. Pastor W.F Kumuyi,MutiuAdepoju, DimejiLawal, Oba WoleAmele, Major Gen. VictorOdaka, Chief DayoAbatan, Late Dr. Kumolu Johnson amongst others.
As a visitor, anytime you are in the UniversityCampus, try taking a cab to the hall referred to as the HEARTBEAT OF U.I.
As a new student who isn’t a Zikite, you shouldn’t spend a day before you go to NnamdiAzikiwe hall to have a feel of what it is like.
NnamdiAzikiwe hall, the abode of unpretentious undergraduates.
(EXCERPT: GOOGLE)
