By Auld Lang Syne
As the saying goes, man is a social animal. This is further confirmed in Marlow's hierarchy of needs, in which he highlighted the need to belong to a society or a community as one of the important needs of the human person. In the course of their academic pursuits, UI undergraduates fall into various communities. Firstly, they automatically fall into the larger community of old and current UI students, become members of the UISU and, as such, are able to boast proudly of the pride of being from the first and best.
Next, they fall into the communities in their various halls of residence, departments and faculties; the religious ones fall into the congregation of members who share a faith. After this, some of them still consciously choose other organisations they'd rather belong to depending on whatever skills they have, causes they are passionate about or just simply the need to network.
In fact, research has shown that belonging to campus organisations, apart from helping manoeuvre the various challenges and problems posed by regular academic work, also helps in preparing their members for real-life issues. Members of various organisations and societies find themselves confronting some issues that are common in real-world group or team relationship issues, and this helps them to better adapt when they graduate.
In a bid to understand the impact that various organisations and clubs have on their members, Zik Press reached out to some old members as well as those who happened to be part of the leadership of some of the more popular clubs for their personal statements on how the various societies they belong to have influenced their choice of careers.
“JCI helped me discover a part of me I never knew existed.”— Joshua
For Joshua, a graduate of the department of history, joining JCI was just a matter of curiosity."I just didn't want to be the typical student — from hall to class and vice versa. I wanted to try things apart from academic activity. It wasn't just JCI that I applied to join, by the way; I also attempted joining a prominent student club on campus too but narrowly missed out on the interview. I was able to join JCI though. And I wouldn't say there was a particular reason it was JCI; as a matter of fact, I didn't even understand the core essence, values and so many other things about the organisation until a few months after becoming a member. I was just curious, that's it.”
When asked about how the club influenced his plans, he said the club exposed him to the world outside academia.“Like I mentioned earlier, I joined the organisation out of curiosity as a fresh student, so I didn't in particular know what to expect nor had specific expectations. Nevertheless, it was the beginning of a transformative journey for me. The organisation exposed to me a world beyond academia, as I gained hands-on leadership experience, and helped me discover a part of me I never knew existed,” he said.
When asked which aspects of the organisation had touched him, he was able to itemise some of them.
“One, the organisation has a structure of directorates, with every member expected to be at least in one. Each of these directorates performs one function/project or the other, which gives every member an opportunity to contribute and perform tasks.
“Second, there are also training sessions, ranging from leadership, digital skill acquisition, project management and lots more, to get members equipped not just for individual development but also to significantly contribute and impact their community. I can attest to having greatly benefited from many of these endeavours.
“The organisation also places significant importance on public speaking, which sprouted my passion in that regard. I had my first public speaking contest as a member of JCI and have since gone on to speak at different competitions, including Jaw War,” he stated.
Regarding how JCI affected his career aspirations, he revealed that it did significantly.“I studied history; however, upon becoming a member of the organisation, I joined and eventually led the Content and Publicity Directorate, a department responsible for image-making and promotion of the organisation's activities.
“Not only did I gain practical digital media & communication skills but also developed a passion for the communication field. I have also been able to demonstrate this skill beyond the organisation and even for corporate bodies and establishments. I must also mention that I have capitalised on the diverse network of the organisation to also get recommended for paid roles in this field,” he continued.
Looking ahead, I intend to pursue a master's programme and a career path where I can explore how media and communication tools can bridge historiographical gaps, preserve identities, and make history more accessible for a new generation,” he concluded.
“Sigma Club has opened doors of connection and mentorship.” — Philipson
Philipson Sulaiman is a Sigma Club loyalist who until recently served as the club's publicity committee chair. According to him, in his efforts to network with other graphic designers prior to his admission, he was able to connect with a member of the Sigma Club. He also stated that he was in contact with another Sigma club member whom he really admired. All these factors contributed to him becoming a loyalist.
“Before I gained admission into the University of Ibadan, I already had many mutual connections with fellow graphics designers at the university. Being a graphics designer myself, I got connected with them. One of them, at the time, was a loyal Sigmite, and his works and posts on LinkedIn inspired me greatly. Most especially, when I saw his picture in his Sigma tie posted on LinkedIn, I was amazed. From that moment, I resolved that when I eventually got to the University of Ibadan, I would join the Sigma Club. I also had contact with another Loyal Sigmite whom I admired then, and that fully amazed me, making my decision to join the Club certain,” he said.
“When I finally got on campus, my application for 100 level was rejected. However, I applied again at the 200 level, and this time, I was admitted. I would say it was Loyal Sigmites who inspired me to join the Sigma Club. That has always been the tradition of the Club and what it stands for. Loyal Sigmites are true and bold, and our character always reflects all that is pure. This is why many newly admitted Loyal Sigmites are motivated to join the Sigma Club, because of the positive impact the Club has on society and its members,” he continued.
When asked how his expectations of the club have been influenced in terms of his expectations versus the realities he faced, he stated that “There is a saying I truly believe in: “If you sign up for something, be ready to take responsibility for it.” I believe that any individual who is applying for admission into Sigma Club and is granted that rare privilege by the magnanimity of the SIGMA CHIEF should always remember that this is not just another student organisation. This is the oldest surviving student organisation in sub-Saharan Africa, and it has stood for over seven decades for a reason. It has taken the hard work, resilience and determination of generations of Sigmites to sustain that legacy.”
“For me, Sigma Club does not “affect” my plans. SIGMA CLUB IS MY PLAN. One thing about me is that in everything I do, even with my brothers, Sigma comes first, and that's because of the value we get from the club. And that is exactly the mindset that has kept this club alive and relevant for over 7 decades,” he said.
“Now speaking of expectations vs reality, it’s normal not to fully know what you’re getting into until you actually join. It’s the same way you don’t really understand what the University of Ibadan demands until you resume, start attending classes and experience the campus lifestyle. For me, I didn’t fully know all it entailed, but once admitted, you’re prepped, trained and guided into what it truly means to be a Loyal Sigmite. And that is where the reality exceeded my expectations. Sigma Club doesn’t just give you a tie; it instills discipline, builds resilience and reshapes your entire outlook. Even a former registrar once said, “If every student were a member of Sigma Club, there would be no need for the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.” That alone shows the standard of character the club trains into its members. And all of this is actually evident; we have successful Old Chiefs and Old Sigmites that are doing well and making a big impact across the world,” he continued.
When asked about his career aspirations, he said, “Like I said earlier, Sigma Club instills so many values in you. Personally, I see myself going into marketing, consumer studies and finance one day, and Sigma Club has played a huge role in preparing me for that journey. Beyond the values of discipline and resilience, Sigma Club has opened doors of connection and mentorship. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Old Chiefs, Old Sigmites and even Honorary Sigmites, many of whom are already thriving in the industries I aspire to enter. Each interaction leaves you inspired; you can’t meet these people and not aspire for more.”
For me, Sigma Club has become a mirror of what’s possible. It has influenced my aspirations not just by giving me role models but also by teaching me the importance of character, consistency and excellence in any career path, and that is a very great influence. The Club does not just inspire your dreams; it equips you to actually achieve them.
“Red Cross was a way to build lasting connections, gain valuable skills, and make a positive impact.”—Peter
Peter is a graduate of the Department of Physiology. During his on-campus years, he found himself drawn to the activities of the Red Cross Society. When interviewed on his motivations, he said he just didn't want his stay on campus to be filled with just academic work.
“Honestly, I didn't want my university experience to be limited to just academics. I really wanted to explore other aspects of student life, and my interest in the medical field drew me to the Red Cross.I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to learn first aid training, engage in meaningful community service, and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion,” he said.
He further stated that the organisation afforded him opportunities to be a part of several health outreaches as well as network with athletes on campus, given how the Red Cross is always present to provide first aid to individuals who have been injured in the course of playing these sports.
“What resonated with me about the Red Cross is its rich history and global presence, which allows me to be part of a larger community that transcends my time at the university. I saw my involvement with the Red Cross as a way to build lasting connections, gain valuable skills, and make a positive impact – both during my studies and beyond,” he said.
Kegites Club Offers The Opportunity To Network and Connect With Other People — Olawale
For Wale, the AB Elda of the Kegites club and a final-year student of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, the club is a club that promotes culture, and as a person, I love anything culture-related, like the song, the attire, the language and every other thing like that; becoming a Kegite was a no-brainer.
When asked about the ways the club has surprised him, he stated that, “Before I joined the club, I was not a church person, so I could not play gangan, gong, sekere, or mono. But after joining the club, I was able to master all these instruments, which I believe is an achievement. Another thing is about the songs and the way they connect. Let me just say the club makes sense out of nonsense. The things we do are trivial to people, but deep down they are meaningful.”
When asked what he had gained as a member of the club, he stated that if there is any skill one gains as a member of the Kegite Club, it is the skill of social interaction and networking.
According to him, the Kegites club offers one the platform to communicate with people. Given that the club has branches in schools all over the country, there is an opportunity for every kegite to meet new people, make friends and network. The only issue, according to him, is if the individual person has issues doing this naturally.
He further stated that Kegites club members are able to receive aid in difficult situations. "Even if you're travelling and you put on your cap and stay by the roadside, a Kegite Club member might carry you and give you money." According to him, Kegite club members are brothers.
When asked about the problems he faced as Elda, he mentioned the issue of travelling and logistics as well as various academic commitments. He further mentioned the finance factor too. On how he has been able to balance his academics with the kegites activities, he said, “When you make time for everything, you have time for everything.”
He also stated that he tries to prioritise the tasks that are before him in order of how important they are to him.
