Jeziel Loko, a law student at the University of Ibadan, has shared his experiences as a freshman at the prestigious Nigerian institution. In a detailed LinkedIn post in March, the young man recounted his journey from JAMB registration to settling into campus life.
Choosing UI: A Home of Giants
According to Loko, when he picked the University of Ibadan during his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam registration, people told him he had selected a home of giants. He noted that it was only after arriving on campus that he fully understood what his senior colleagues meant by “You will see shege, and you will shine.”
Observations on Campus Life
In his post, Loko reflected on his hostel experiences, campus life, and the academic demands of the institution. He emphasized that being a fresher requires courage, discipline, and determination. “When I registered for my JAMB exams, people said I hadn’t just chosen a university—I had chosen a home of giants. At the time, it sounded like a lofty cliché. Three weeks into the University of Ibadan, it feels like prophecy,” he wrote.
He described the journey as beginning with exams that tested more than knowledge. UTME demanded sacrifice, as he missed his valedictory service to prepare. Passing felt like victory, but Post-UTME brought thousands of competitors, all striving to rise above. “Success here isn’t given; it’s earned,” he stated.
Hostel Life and Adaptability
Resumption revealed the campus reality. Stepping onto grounds alive with energy, Loko understood what seniors meant. Hostels tested adaptability: no electric kettles or hot plates; stoves became their lifeline. Registration taught patience and discipline, with queues forming hours before dawn. “Every small trial was a glimpse of the rigor this university demands,” he added.
He also mentioned the “Baptism,” where freshers are soaked by seniors, describing it as optional but unforgettable, forging bonds beyond words.
Academic Rigor and Community
Academically, the University of Ibadan never rests. Lecture halls fill early, nights buzz with study, and quiet competition drives excellence. Loko noted that 80 percent of UITES are scholars, their dedication visible in midnight lamps and focused eyes. “Mediocrity has no home here. Early lectures, long walks, and last-minute cancellations test patience, shaping resilience,” he said.
Friendship, he added, is a guiding light. In the Faculty of Law, peers like Adebayo, Heritage, Ezekiel, David, Abdulraouf, Ire, and Mercy push him to excel. David wakes him early to explain lessons, reflecting the selfless spirit of the community.
Conclusion: Earning Greatness
Loko concluded that being a fresher demands courage, discipline, and determination. Every lecture, trek, and night of study chisels a stronger self. In just three weeks, UI has shown him joy, stress, frustration, and triumph. “Home of giants is no longer metaphor; it is a challenge, a standard, a promise. Here, greatness isn’t given—it is earned. And I have chosen to rise,” he wrote.
