Letter To Freshers

By Blessings Oluwalaanumi Emmanuel

Dear Freshers,

As a fellow newly admitted student, I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and me. Making it to the prestigious University of Ibadan is sure a big deal. I believe this great feat marks the beginning of another exciting, yet challenging phase of life.

The University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning has consistently emerged the best in Nigeria, one of the top universities in Africa and is celebrated globally for its contributions to knowledge and society.

The University of Ibadan is made up of over 60 academic departments fused into about 17 faculties. It is a proud home to about 15 halls of residence including the largest hall of residence in West Africa popularly known as “Awo hall”.

The University is widely recognized for:

Academic Excellence

UI as popularly called is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, world-class recognition, and commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped for leadership roles in various fields.

Research

The university boasts cutting-edge research facilities and encourages students to engage in groundbreaking research across a wide range of disciplines.

Cultural Diversity

University of Ibadan is a mutual ground for cultures, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, both nationally and internationally. The University fosters a rich and vibrant campus atmosphere where every race,tribe and culture thrives without contingencies.

Historical Significance

Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan takes pride in it’s rich history of academic tradition and has produced some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most influential figures.

What Should You Expect?

Academic Rigor

Being in “UI”can be really stressful. Awo residents can tell you more.

Don’t fret yet; it’ll be worth it. We should be prepared for challenging coursework that will stretch your intellectual abilities and help us grow academically.

Cultural Enrichment

 This is a window to embrace the opportunity to interact with peers from various cultures. It is our chance to broadening our horizons and build impactful lifelong friendships.

Extracurricular Activities

Of course we should have fun! Get involved in a myriad of clubs, societies, and sport teams to enhance your personal development. You will be surprised at the abundance of privileges that comes with this.

Nonetheless, let’s thread carefully. Our academics comes first.

Swami Vivekananda, an Indian monk, once said, “Conquer yourself and the universe is yours”. This implies to you as an individual that the only competition you have is “You”, not your colleagues. If you and I believe we will thrive on this ground, then we will.

This is just the beginning of an incredible journey. We should walk it gracefully ensuring that every step brings us closer to our dreams.

I will close this admonition with a quote by Marriane Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others”.

I hope the University of Ibadan becomes a home we always want to come back to.

Welcome to the “First and Best”. It’s time to let our dreams fly.

From a Co-fresher,

Blessings