UI'SU Releases Notice of Town Hall Meeting

Idris Adebeshin 

The University of Ibadan Students' Union Executive Council has on Tuesday released a notice of a town hall meeting. 

According to a statement signed by Covenant Odedele, President of the union and Segun V. Olowu, General Secretary of the union, the town hall meeting is set to hold on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 2 PM at the Students' Representative Council  Chamber (SRC).

The meeting is intended to offer a forum for dialogue among the central student leadership and faculties, departments and  hall residence representatives in a bid to address fundamental issues affecting the students.

Tedder Hall Freshmen Defeat Zik Hall In Freshmen Friendly Football Match

By: Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen

Tedder Hall Freshmen have, on Tuesday, 29th of April, 2025, defeated Zik Hall Freshmen two goals to one goal in a friendly football match.

 The match, which was held on the 29th of April 2025 at the SUB pitch, had both teams starting off with relatively equal intensity. The two teams pressed and counterpressed each other at intervals.

 However, Zik Hall would score the first goal through its midfielder, Martins, who slotted the ball into the top corner of the post. Lord Tedder Hall responded with a goal of theirs a few moments later, making the match 1-1 at the end of the first half.

The second half started with an even greater intensity. Zik Hall would have had a chance to go forward, but its forward failed to convert a one-on-one chance after the ball had ricocheted from the Tedder Hall goalkeeper, who couldn't hold on to it.

Later in the match, Tedder Hall freshmen created more tension, as they capitalised their chance to score a goal, which was later ruled as offside. It was after this that Zik Hall substitutions knew no bounds. Despite these substitutions, Zik Hall conceded as Tedder Hall made a swift penetration into his defence and had their way in front of the already tensed Zik goalkeeper, making it two goals to one.

Zik Hall Sophomores Thrash Freshmen 3-0 In Thrilling Friendly Clash

Olamilekan Sodiq

Sophomore students of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall have defeated the newly admitted freshmen of the hall three goals to nil in a friendly football match. The match, which was held on Thursday, 24th of April, 2025, at the SUB pitch, started with both teams quickly getting into rhythm.

The freshmen team striker missed two big chances, while the sophomore team managed a few shots which failed to shake the net. The sophomores almost gained the lead through Pamilerin, who executed a precise free kick which Martinez headed towards the goal before the freshmen goalkeeper made an impressive save, which resulted in a corner kick.

A freshman defender was caught off guard when a dangerous cross entered the box and committed a handball, resulting in a penalty kick. The Freshmen keeper stood in the middle, but Abiola calmly passed the penalty toward the left side to make it 1-0.

As the game went on, the sophomores maintained their offensive momentum by delivering numerous dangerous passes to both cross and square positions. The freshmen also showcased their own special quality through their wingers as they tried to break the sophomore fullbacks with quick acceleration, which produced passes that ended up without any teammates to convert them in the attacking area. 

At the start of the second half, the freshmen had a setback when their goalkeeper collided with Martinez during a chaotic play inside the box. An action for which the referee immediately granted a penalty kick. Toki converted from the penalty spot and pushed the score to 2-0.

The freshmen would make some substitutions and bring in players to try to create trouble for the second-year students, but this would prove abortive as the sophomores would make it 3-0 through another goal by Ayanfe.

Expectations vs Reality: Challenges Facing Zik Hall Freshmen

Image Credit: Directorate of Public Communication, UI

The Muffin Man 

Gaining admission to University of Ibadan is a big deal, in all senses of the word. Given the standard for which the University of Ibadan is widely acclaimed, the image it portrays and the amount of prayers and midnight candles it takes to get in, it is easy for newly admitted students to have high expectations. To put this into a clearer perspective, 50,598 students applied to the University of Ibadan in last year's UTME. Of this 50,598, just 11,912 were invited to take the post-UTME, and of these people, only about 4,000 of them passed and were given admission to study the course of their dreams or the course deemed fit by the cutoff mark.

But upon resuming into UI, the average freshman gets exposed to vastly different circumstances than the one he was used to. First and foremost, he finds his academic abilities and commitment tested by the various new lecturers, individuals and happenings they encounter from time to time. He then begins to deal with the stress of meeting new people and building new relationships. Having tailored their expectations to the testimonies they have heard from those around them, upon resumption, freshmen find themselves having to slim-fit these dreams little by little.

For Jude (not a real name), from the faculty of law, the first shocker came as soon as he set foot in the UI gate. Having heard the “good news of UI”, he resumed with high hopes. In his words, “I heard that there are many intelligent people that are in different professions that have gone to top their fields. They are professionals. I've heard a lot of news about that. So, I expected the UI to be very beautiful. I expected it to have a lot of great facilities. But when I got here and saw the facilities, I was like, ‘Wow. So, is this it?’ And also, one guy and I walked through some parts of UI. So, we saw some of the, should I call them, lecture rooms. I was like, ‘No, no, no, this can't be it.’ They are dilapidated. And some of them are not even renovated or restructured.”

Quadri, a freshman, from the faculty of science, had UI recommended to him by his teachers. He got admitted through direct entry. Upon resuming, he also expected something huge. But now these expectations have crashed. Being a former poly student, he expected university to at least be a step up, but now with the facilities and the tedious registration process, he can no longer really tell the difference.

In the midst of all these, being allocated to Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall definitely breeds expectations. Most of the freshmen who spoke to Zik Press about the challenges they have faced in adapting to the new environment reiterated bitterly about the state of the facilities. Kingsley, a fresher from the faculty of arts, resumed expecting to have a bunk but found himself having to put his bed on the floor. Gbola, a freshman from the faculty of science, resumes to a room with no light and has to go from one to the other rooms to find a better place to charge. Another freshman, Israel, was flummoxed by the number of bedbugs and cockroaches he found in his room. Each fresher had a rather gripping tale about aspects of the hall facilities that are not working as they should, tales that some staylites will find amusing, and conditions they (the staylites) are used to. 

Before the last academic session eventually ended and for some time before that, some halls of residence within the university campus had been getting one form of repairs, new facilities or the other. Kuti Hall got repainted. Bello Hall got some new bunks. In Zik Hall most especially, the JCR got renovated, toilet doors were installed, window nets were repaired and the porters lodge was also rebuilt, just like its neighbouring Katanga Republic. But in the face of the fee hike, these repairs have done very little in compensating for the other amenities that the school lacks. 

On another note, most freshmen receive minimal guidance on what they were heading into. For Tomiwa, a 400-level student of the faculty of education, the orientation programmes in halls, faculties, departments and even religious societies are relatively inadequate. In his words, none of the training, advice and orientation, solicited and unsolicited, that he got from family, friends and neighbours and the ones he even got on campus were enough to prepare him for the huge shock upon resuming. Stephen, another 400-level student from the Faculty of Arts, shared this sentiment. For him, lectures and seminars are not enough. “I had to figure things out for myself,” he said. He further reiterated it is not that the individuals and bodies did not do their best in terms of getting him acclimatised as a freshman, just that experience is simply the best teacher. 

And this is without mentioning academic pressure and the tough demands of the course freshmen have to deal with juggling classes and tests while still trying to have a healthy social life. Most of the freshmen who resume with very high confidence in their abilities soon find that they have to quadruple their efforts just to avoid being washed out. These combined factors take a great psychological toll on some, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. There is also the part of national politics and economy; these freshmen soon begin to see firsthand how government policies affect them. They get to witness how various governments over the years have abandoned education, leading the sector into a steady decline, a decline they can see and perceive. 

In spite of these issues, most freshmen remain optimistic about the opportunities the school can offer them. In Jude’s words, “I've seen, I mean, the persons I've seen who graduated from this UI, I could say that UI is very, very excellent in their teaching, truly. And they have good policies that make them better leaders across various fields. So, I still trust them when it comes to lectures.”

Between Struggle and Survival: How Economic, Academic, and Societal Pressures Shape the Average Nigerian Student

Image Credit: LinkedIn Neet

Osunwa David 

The average Nigerian university student navigates a relentless storm of challenges that test not just their resilience but their very sense of self. A faltering economy has driven up the cost of education and living, while the unending academic demands push young, bright minds to the brink of exhaustion. Layered atop this are the unspoken yet suffocating social expectations; be successful, be exemplary, be everything, rooted in a culture that often equates worth with achievement. Together, these forces create significant pressure that threaten the mental well-being of students, leaving many grappling with stress, anxiety, and a quiet despair. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the link that exists between these harsh realities and their profound effects,  unraveling how the unfortunate economic hardship, academic strain, and the prevalent societal ideals collide to shape the psyche of the average Nigerian student. Beyond diagnosis, it is also needful to attempt to offer a path forward i.e inclusive of practical solutions to lighten the load and foster a healthier, better future for those who carry the nation’s hopes.

The Weight of a Struggling Economy

Unfortunately, for the average Nigerian student, the economy is not just a backdrop but a daily adversary; a wicked one at that. With inflation soaring and the Naira’s value in freefall, the cost of basic necessities like food, transportation, and even textbooks has skyrocketed, turning survival into a prerequisite for education. Tuition fees, once a hurdle, are now a towering wall for many, especially as government funding for public institutions dwindles and private alternatives remain out of reach. Students from low-income families (often the majority) find themselves juggling part-time jobs between lectures or crowdfunding for fees, their dreams tethered to an unforgiving financial reality. This economic strain doesn’t just drain wallets; it erodes and destroys mental peace. The constant worry of where the next meal or session’s fees will come from breeds a chronic stress that festers beneath the surface. 

The Nigerian economy and its harsh realities presents an unrelenting challenge to students, one that transcends mere financial strain and encroaches upon their mental fortitude. Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals inflation reached 33.2% in August 2024, driving up the cost of essentials such as food and academic materials. A bag of rice, priced at ₦25,000 two years prior, now commands over ₦80,000, while transportation costs have surged alongside fuel prices nearing ₦1,000 per litre. For students, these figures translate into a stark reality: the pursuit of education, often heralded as a pathway out of poverty, is increasingly an unaffordable endeavor, with Federal university fees rising and private institutions remaining beyond reach.This economic hardship manifests in tangible sacrifices. The World Bank reports a youth unemployment rate of 53% in Nigeria, casting doubt on the promise that a degree will secure a livelihood. Yet, the expectation to persevere persists, even as government allocation to education languishes at 6.39% of the 2024 budget, far below UNESCO’s recommended 15-20%. Compounding these pressures are infrastructural deficiencies rooted in economic neglect. Far from fostering the opportunities it ideally should, the economy imposes a mental toll that threatens to undermine the well-being of Nigeria’s youth. If this is the foundation upon which their futures are constructed, the cracks in their resolve should come as no surprise.

Dealing With Academic Burnout

Beyond the saddening economic constraints, the average Nigerian university student confronts and is faced with an academic system that demands excellence under conditions primed for exhaustion. The pressure to succeed is unrelenting, fueled by a curriculum often misaligned with practical realities and an educational culture that equates failure with disgrace. A 2023 study by Dr. Chika Onyene, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Lagos, found that 78% of Nigerian undergraduates report moderate to severe stress due to academic workloads, with 42% exhibiting symptoms of burnout defined as chronic fatigue, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. This is no mere rite of passage; it is a systemic grind that jeopardizes mental health.This paints a very grim picture.

Overcrowded lecture halls, poor accommodation, outdated resources, and frequent strikes (such as the infamous eight-month Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) shutdown in 2022) disrupt learning and prolong degree timelines, heightening anxiety, uncertainty and regret. Scholars argue this pressure is exacerbated by pedagogical rigidity. Professor Amina Yusuf of Ahmadu Bello University, in a 2024 paper on educational reform, critiques Nigeria’s reliance on rote learning and examination-centric assessment, which she contends stifles critical thinking and fosters a “pass-or-perish” mentality. Students, she observes, are conditioned to memorize rather than innovate or understand, a process that drains mental reserves without equipping them for a dynamic, ever evolving workforce. The result is a generation teetering on the edge, mentally depleted by a system that rewards endurance over well-being. When academic success becomes a survival metric rather than a developmental journey, the cost is measured not just in grades, but in the quiet erosion of students’ psychological stability.

The absence of robust counseling services (available in fewer than 30% of tertiary institutions, according to the Nigerian University System Annual Report) leaves students to wrestle with these emotions alone, turning classrooms into battlegrounds for both intellect and identity. Perhaps most alarming is the long-term erosion of resilience. The World Health Organization’s 2023 Mental Health Atlas estimates that only 1 in 5 Nigerian students with stress-related disorders seeks professional help, largely due to stigma and a dearth of resources. This is not preparation for leadership; it is a blueprint for collapse, where the mind, stretched beyond capacity, begins to fray at the seams.

Society’s Mirror,  Expectations and Identity 

In Nigeria, societal expectations cast a long shadow, transforming education into a proving ground for familial honor and communal pride. The cultural mantra is clear: a degree is not merely a personal milestone but a collective triumph, a beacon to illuminate and reward the sacrifices of parents and the aspirations of the entire community that raised an individual. A 2024 survey by the Nigerian Youth Development Agency found that 67% of tertiary students feel pressured to pursue “prestigious” fields like medicine, law, or engineering, even when their passions lie elsewhere. This misalignment breeds a quiet resentment, as young minds are molded to fit a societal ideal rather than their own potential, chipping away at their sense of self. 

Gender adds another layer to this unfortunate burden. The Nigerian Gender Equality Index, updated in 2024, notes that 48% of female students face additional societal demands to balance academic success with domestic roles, compared to just 19% of their male counterparts. For young women, the expectation is dual: excel in school, yet remain poised for marriage and motherhood, often by their mid-20s. Meanwhile, male students grapple with the stereotype of the provider. The result of this unfortunate position is a generation of students whose mental well-being is silently sacrificed on the altar of tradition, their identities shaped more by external gazes than internal truths.

The relentless gaze of society does not merely demand success, it dictates the very definition of it, leaving little space for individuality or error. For many Nigerian students, the path to approval is narrow, paved with unspoken rules: secure a degree, land a lucrative job, and uphold the family name, all while appearing unshaken by the journey. Deviation, whether choosing an unconventional career, pausing to explore personal interests, or faltering under pressure,is met with judgment, whispered disapproval that echoes louder than any lecture hall. This rigid script traps students in a paradox: they must strive for greatness yet suppress the doubts and fears that make them human, a tension that festers into self-criticism and isolation. This unfortunate culture of silent endurance defeats the need for mental health awareness, turning it into a taboo rather than a priority. In the end, Nigerian students are not just shaped by expectations, they are haunted by them, their identities forged in a crucible where worth is measured by what they produce, not who they are.

When the Mind Meets and Bears the Burden

When the unfortunate economic hardship, the existing academic rigor, and the discouraging societal expectations converge, the mind of the student becomes a battlefield, quietly absorbing a burden few are equipped to bear. The toll is starkly evident: a 2023 Nigerian Mental Health Initiative survey found that 63% of tertiary students exhibit symptoms of anxiety, while 45% report persistent feelings of hopelessness; figures that dwarf global averages for youth mental distress. These are not fleeting emotions but the residue of a relentless trifecta, where financial instability fuels sleepless nights, academic demands erode confidence and individuality, and cultural pressures silence cries for help. The result is a psyche stretched thin, teetering between endurance and collapse.

This convergence manifests in ways both subtle and very severe. The absence of support amplifies this crisis. Mental health resources remain a rarity, with only a few thousand psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million, according to the Federal Ministry of Health’s 2023 assessment; a ratio that leaves students to fend for themselves in a society that still whispers “toughen up” instead of “seek help.” The stigma is a shackle: to admit struggle is to risk being labeled frail, a betrayal of the resilience Nigeria prides itself on. Yet, this silence is a thief, robbing students of their vitality and replacing it with a hollowed-out version of who they could be. The mind, meant to soar with ideas, becomes a prisoner to its own survival, each day witnessing a negotiation between pushing forward and simply holding on. When the economy squeezes, academia demands, and society judges, the mind does not merely bend; it fractures, leaving behind a generation whose potential is dimmed by burdens they were never meant to carry alone.

SFA Defeats TomTom FC In Friendly "Classico"

The Muffin Man 

Soccer For All football team has, on Wednesday, 23rd of April, 2025, defeated rival team TomTom FC two goals to one in a friendly "El Classico".

SFA opened the scoring very early in the match through its number 10, Agbowo. Mbappe from SFA would hit the bar a few moments later.

TomTom FC had a couple of chances in the first half but SFA's goalkeeper was up to the task. Towards the end of the first half, TomTom FC almost equalised through an Ehis header but was rather unlucky not to score.

As the second half began, SFA's efforts were quickly rewarded with a goal as their number 9, Korede, doubled the lead.

TomTom managed to pull one back through Akandu, but it was not enough as SFA emerged winners.

In The Spirit of Student Welfarism

It is very easy to criticise student union officers. It is easy to call them out whenever their fellow students feel they are not living up to expectations, to baste them for not delivering on their promises, like when the past iterations of the UI’SU leadership failed to properly handle the school fees crisis, or when the leaders in various halls of residence and in the SRC have fail to properly advocate for improved living conditions and wellbeing of the students in various halls and faculties, or the other time when a former president of the UI’SU endorsed a candidate in the national elections on behalf on the students of the University of Ibadan without a congress or consultation of any kind. It is easy to point out the flaws in the reasoning process of these actions. 

But then, it must be understood that the position of student leadership or any form of leadership for that matter comes with a lot of responsibility. The pedestal on which it places these individuals is one from which they could determine the lives and careers of thousands and even millions, either directly or indirectly. Simply put, neither the student leaders nor leaders in any context nor their followers can correctly estimate the level of impact of their actions. This is indeed why every action of our beloved student union must have at its core the absolute interest of the students. It is why every single step must be properly scrutinised and carefully reviewed. Whatever criticisms that come in must be expected, respected and even welcomed. But after several billion articles and editorials in this regard, it seems nothing is changing.

For every issue that is plaguing our union, the burden rests on more than just the student union executives. For sure, Team Auspicious needs to get their priorities right; they also need to do more than redesign letterheads, release statements and do publicity. They need to be more articulate in pressing for what the students need. But then, there are other players in this issue, a lot goes into play in a democracy after all. On Monday, 31st of March, 2025, various campus press organisations began to report on the proposal by the Council of Hall Chairpersons (COHC) to the University of Ibadan Students’ Representative Council for an upward review of the hall basic dues from N3,000 to N5,000. The Council of Faculty Presidents (COFP) followed suit with a similar request barely three days later.

While these councils presented legitimate reasons for their request, such as improvement in quality of some of the services that students get, it is rather sad to note that these increments are coming at a time where students are still reeling from the effects of the fee hike, an increment that has forced many to drop out, which has forced many to look for alternative sources of income, with some going as far as selling their body tissue, even with the student loans. It is even more interesting to see the student leaders make the same points the school authority presented when the school increased the fees: improved services.

So far, as a matter of what is acceptable, student associations should not be engaging in capital projects. Had we not lost the plot as a society, the function of repairing broken facilities and putting new ones in place would not be for the students, who themselves still have to rely on parents , guardians and benefactors to cover their living expenses. Rather, it is for our student leaders to advocate about what the student body needs to the appropriate authorities and to charitable donors, like proper citizens in a civilised society. But it is appalling to see that even after managing to get the approved dues increased to ₦4,000, some of these halls go ahead in adding extra and questionable charges to the bill. This comes as no surprise, given that a lot of student politicians promise heaven and earth prior to their election and even after promising to get funding from external sources would rather pile more onto the plates of their fellow students. And when all else fails, they take credit for projects commissioned by the school, hall or faculty management and then call it a partnership, collaboration or joint effort.

Even the SRC is culpable in this quagmire, its handling of the basic due review was wishy-washy at best. At some point, it seemed as if the speaker and the honourable members of the council were rather keen on getting the increment over the line before the session even began, pandering to the demands of the COHC and COFP. Despite reports of feedback polls being compromised and constituents in various halls being aggressively cajoled, the SRC still deemed the responses generated as effective data to proceed with. It is even more ridiculous that the SRC left the function of generating responses on the matter to the individuals that proposed the action in the first place.

The larger student body are not any better themselves. The apathy of a lot of students in the face of pressing issues is exactly how things get worse. Heavy and critical backlash to any of the incidents stated above would have caused the outcomes in every case to be very different. But it is very concerning that a lot of Uites choose to be unbothered. This point is further illustrated in the last SU elections and in almost every hall or faculty election last session where the majority of the candidates ran unopposed. Even in cases where the students were engaged, it was out of allegiance to either faculty or hall of residence, causing them to lose their critical and logical edge in the analysis of the candidates or their manifestos.

 If the larger student body are unwilling to properly engage and contribute to the issues that concern them, they are giving carte blanche to their leaders to do as they wish. And in a case where the majority of the followers lack the basic understanding of what should or should not be, what is to say even the leaders do? After all, they were culled from the same herd. Therefore, in a context where most of the citizens are ignorant of their rights, even the leaders are very likely to be ignorant, and when the leaders are ignorant, terrible things happen. And even now, this can be observed on the national scale.

In conclusion, the student union of the premier university is one that holds more potential than it realises; records and past history have shown that. After all, we can't mention unionism and the national struggle in Nigeria without mentioning University of Ibadan. Even now, when critical issues are being handled with the maturity of suckling babes by everyone from the executives to the councilmen and even the average Uite, there is still a glimmer of hope. A wave of consciousness and conscientiousness needs to spread from the ground up, from ordinary Uite to the union executives; it also needs to flow from top to bottom, from the leaders to the followers. The students need to be more involved, and their leaders need to be more responsive. That is the only way positive change can come.

A Practical Guide To Starting Right At The Premier University

Image Credits: Directorate of Public Communication 

By Osunwa David 

The journey of a thousand miles, they say, starts with a step (Lao Tzu). As a new student at the University of Ibadan, you stand at the threshold of an exciting, exhilarating yet challenging phase of your educational journey. The transition from your familiar, random routine to university life is marked by a whirlwind of activities: hall registrations, faculty orientations, departmental processes, and health service enrolments at the Jaja clinic. These tasks, coupled with the excitement of newfound independence, can evoke a mix of anticipation and anxiety. For this reason, it is expedient to navigate this period with composure, prioritising your well-being and laying a strong foundation for success.

A New Beginning

The first few weeks at the University of Ibadan are a test of resilience. Adjusting to the pace and pulse of campus life might be difficult. The flurry of various tasks and the unfamiliar campus terrain can feel overwhelming, often leaving you fatigued even before lectures commence. The key to thriving lies in approaching these challenges with a proactive mindset and a commitment to self-care. The University of Ibadan, often celebrated as the “First and Best”, is a vibrant hub of ideas, opportunities and possibilities, far beyond its academic prestige. As you settle in, recognise that this is a time for growth, exploration, and self-discovery. By adopting practical, workable strategies and maintaining balance, you can transform challenges into opportunities for personal and academic development.

Embracing The Journey With Confidence

To navigate the frenetic pace of activities, preparation and organisation are essential. The early days may feel like a storm, but structure is your anchor. Begin by familiarising yourself with key campus locations, such as your Hall of Residence, various lecture theatres, the Students' Union Building, the Central Library (Kenneth Dike Library), ITEMS, and the University Health Service (Jaja Clinic). Effective time management is equally essential. Create a detailed schedule outlining all registration processes, orientation programmes, and other various obligations. Prioritise tasks based on deadlines and allocate specific periods for each activity. As you complete each item, mark it off your list to track progress and maintain clarity. This approach minimises the risk of overlapping commitments and ensures that you are well-prepared when lectures begin. By staying organised, you can approach your responsibilities with purpose and avoid the confusion that often accompanies this period. The demands of these activities can take a toll on your health if not managed carefully. Remember, confidence is built not in perfection but in preparation and purpose.

Building Meaningful Connections and Seeking Support

The University of Ibadan offers a wealth of opportunities to forge meaningful connections. No one thrives alone. Relationships are the bridges that carry you through. Engage with peers, join student organisations, and participate in campus events to build a supportive network. These relationships provide encouragement and perspective during challenging times. Additionally, do not hesitate to seek guidance from trusted sources, such as senior students, student leaders, faculty officers, lecturers or the university’s counselling services. These individuals and the available resources can offer reliable advice, clarify misinformation, and help you navigate unfamiliar and difficult processes. When you reach out, you will find out that help is often closer than you think.

Balancing Academics and Personal Growth

While the administrative demands are significant, they are a prelude to the academic journey ahead. Finding the right balance between study and self-discovery is also very key. The University of Ibadan’s rigorous academic environment requires discipline and focus, but it also encourages exploration beyond the classroom. Identify your passions (whether academic, creative, or professional) and pursue opportunities to develop them. Student groups, workshops, seminars, and campus events provide platforms to hone your skills and discover new interests. In all, balance is key. As Stephen Covey wisely noted, “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” Your habits during this formative period will shape your university experience and beyond. Establish a routine that accommodates both academic responsibilities and personal growth.

As a freshman at the University of Ibadan, you are embarking on a transformative chapter. Let your curiosity lead the way as you craft a life rich in both knowledge and purpose. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the opportunities, and approach each day with the mindset and resilience it deserves. Welcome to the University of Ibadan – Recte Sapere Fons, the fount of knowledge. May this be the beginning of a journey that shapes your character and defines your destiny. Stay organised, prioritise your well-being, and seize the possibilities that await.

ZHLC Dissolves 6th Assembly, Inaugurates 7th Assembly and Elects New Principal Officers.

Fafure Kehinde 

On Wednesday, 16th of April, 2025, the 6th assembly of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Legislative Council was officially dissolved. During his address to the 7th assembly, the speaker of the house, Rt Adetunji Samson, encouraged the legislators to carry out all their duties diligently. 

He also enjoined them to work in collaboration with the hall executives to make the hall a better place for all residents, stating that the role of the legislative arm as watchdogs of the executive arm does not translate to being at loggerheads with the executive. It is rather to uphold the doctrine of checks and balances for better governance.

After his address, legislators were nominated by members of the house for the positions of principal officers of the 7th assembly. The offices included those of the chief whip, clerk, deputy speaker and speaker of the house.

Honourable Echu Wisdom was nominated for the position of chief whip of the house and was elected. For the office of clerk of the house, Adebayo David was nominated and was also elected. 

For the office of the deputy speaker of the house, Honourable Ologun Ayomikun and Honourable Oluwasegun Michael were both nominated, followed by an election which ended in a tie, necessitating the speaker to act as the tiebreaker, choosing Honourable Ologun Ayomikun over Honourable Oluwasegun Michael.

For the office of speaker of the 7th assembly of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Legislative Council, Honourable Oladoja Ayomide emerged, having been the sole nominee and nominated by Honourable Timothy Samuel. 

A motion for the dissolution of the 6th assembly was then moved by Honourable Ojile Moses, resulting in the dissolution of the 6th assembly and the swearing in of the speaker of the 7th assembly by the Hall chairman, Sotomi Daniel.

"Zik Hall judicial council must be endorsed by a higher authority," — Chief Judge, Tomilayo Oyedeji

Kehinde Fafure 

The newly inducted chief judge of the Zik Hall judicial council has stated that the judicial council needs the backing of a higher authority in order for it to perform its roles effectively.

He stated this in an interview, prior to his ratification as chief judge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall judicial council. 

When asked what he thinks could be a possible solution to the flagrant defiance of the decisions of the judicial council, such as refusal to honour summons by the council or pay fines imposed by the court on those who are found guilty of one offence or the other, the former attorney general of the hall, Tomilayo Oyedeji, stated that one way to revive the deserved reverence of the council's decision over matters brought before it is to ensure the endorsement of the council by higher authorities like the hall's porters.

He also emphasised the need for enlightenment of Zikites on the importance of the judiciary as the third arm of government in any democratic society. 

“The authority of the judicial council is crucial for the upholding of the principles of democracy,” he said.

ZHLC 6th Assembly Ratifies Chief judge and Judges Of The Judicial Council

Kehinde Fafure 

During the final sitting of the 6th Assembly of the legislative council on Wednesday, 16th April, 2025, a core agendum, which was the ratification of nominees for the position of judges and chief judge of the hall's judicial council, was carried out. 

The process involved the assessment of the nominated persons for the position of judges and chief judge on their understanding of the roles and duties of the judicial council as provided by the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall constitution.

After the assessment, votes were taken. Of the seven persons nominated for the positions of judges and chief judge, five were final-year students of the Faculty of Law, and two were final-year students from the departments of Arts and Social Sciences Education and Wood and Biomaterial Engineering, respectively.

 Four out of the five law students in the persons of Olorode Folafunmi, Olakojo Samuel and Joshua Onadele were elected and ratified as judges, with Tomilayo Oyedeji, who had previously served as the hall's attorney general, as the chief judge, having had only one out of six votes against him. One of the five law students, Owoeye Mosope, was not elected, as he had only one out of six votes in his favour.

Oke Oluwagbemi from the department of wood and biomaterial engineering was walked out of the house owing to the fact that he was currently serving as an honourable member of the student representative council, UI. 

The 6th Assembly speaker, Rt Hon. Adetunji Samson, stated the obvious: that a member of a legislative body cannot, at the same time, be or seek to be a member of a judicial organ, hence his automatic disqualification. 

However, Abdusalam Kolade from the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education was elected and ratified as a judge in the judicial council.

 The ratification process was concluded by the swearing in of Tomilayo Oyedeji as chief judge and head of the judicial council by the speaker of the 6th assembly, Rt Adetunji Samson. He stated that the swearing in of the other judges of the judicial council will be carried out by the chief judge during the first sitting of the judicial council.