The university experience hits differently when you have spent the first years of your life being the child to Nigerian parents. You go nowhere, and you experience nothing. But gaining admission into a Nigerian university comes with a ticket to an entirely new experience. Yes, we know it’s not all fun and games and we have to list to prove it. But because we care about balancing the narrative now its time to talk about the things we actually loved about Nigerian universities.
1. The freedom.
The university is the first place young Nigerian adults truly experience freedom. Of course parents make it a point to be literally a phone call away but thankfully there is no technology to make them be physically present.
2. The parties.
The party posters roll out back to back and are sometimes dangerously placed close to the exam period but we are not complaining. This is what we actually ordered.
3. The relationships.
University relationships hit differently, especially because all you need is vibes. No one is looking for husband or wife material with the financial power to handle bills. The spec is usually very simple and straightforward; look good and dress well.
4. The culture.
Campus life is usually on a vibe. Sure there are exams, lectures to attend, and mean lecturers to use as prayer points but generally the vibe is a good one.
5. The friends.
This is actually where the network building usually starts. You meet people from different parts of the country and you get a minimum of 4 years to find the bestie you will be needing for life.
6. The fashion.
Instagram feed is great, but university campuses have been unofficial runways since ages past. Where did Fela trousers first make their debut? You guessed right, on university campuses.
7. The after exam chill.
Exam period is usually a nightmare, but “after exam” period makes up for the hell we just went through. We have no classes, no more papers to write, no assignments to submit, and literally all the time in the world to watch movies and sleep.
8. Student clubs and organisations
Shout out to Rotaract, AEISEC and Ecopress. You were the LinkedIn we didn’t know we needed.
9. The allowance.
The list wouldn’t be complete if allowance was not featured. University time is the only phase where you get to adult on another person’s tab. And it’s always a rude awakening when you are suddenly expected to start paying your own bills after school.