Finding Home: What Does it Mean at UI

Hadiza Usman

The gates of the University of Ibadan, with their stoic grandeur, mark not just an entrance into academic pursuit, but a threshold into a new world for thousands of young souls each year. Leaving behind familiar comforts, the embrace of family, and the well-trodden paths of their hometowns, these students embark on a journey of intellectual and personal discovery. Yet, amidst the initial excitement and the daunting task of navigating lecture halls and sprawling campuses, a fundamental human need arises – the yearning for belonging, for a place to call home away from home.

For many, this sense of belonging begins within the walls of their allocated halls of residence. These are not merely a residence; they evolve into microcosms of community, where shared experiences weave a tapestry of camaraderie. Take, for instance, the story of Chinedu, a first-year student from Enugu who initially felt adrift in the sheer size and unfamiliarity of the Independence Hall. “The first few weeks were tough,” he confessed, his voice softening at the memory. “I missed my family, my friends. It felt like everyone else knew each other, and I was the outsider looking in.”

However, the vibrant spirit of Indy Hall, with its impromptu late-night discussions, the collective cheers during inter-hall sports competitions, and the shared anxieties before examinations, slowly began to draw him in. He found his tribe in the common room, amidst boisterous games of cards and passionate debates about everything under the sun. “It wasn’t one big moment,” Chinedu reflected, a smile gracing his lips. “It was a series of small gestures – a shared plate of beans during a late-night craving, a helping hand with a difficult assignment, the knowing nod of understanding during a particularly grueling lecture. Slowly, these strangers became my brothers.” As the Igbo proverb goes, “Umuganda bu ike” – togetherness is strength, and within the shared spaces of the hall, Chinedu discovered the strength of a newfound brotherhood.

Beyond the halls, belonging often blossoms within the academic departments, fueled by shared intellectual passions and the guidance of mentors. For Fatima, a bright-eyed student in the Faculty of Arts, the initial allure of university life was tempered by a feeling of intellectual insecurity. Surrounded by seemingly more knowledgeable peers, she questioned her place and her abilities. It was in a small seminar, under the encouraging gaze of Professor Adebayo, that she found her footing. “He saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself,” Fatima recounted, her voice filled with gratitude. “He encouraged my ideas, even the half-formed ones. He created a space where it felt safe to be vulnerable, to ask questions, to learn without the fear of judgment.”

Professor Adebayo’s mentorship extended beyond academic guidance. He fostered a sense of community within his department, organising study groups and encouraging intellectual discourse outside the classroom. Fatima found herself drawn to a small circle of students who shared her passion for literature. They spent hours reading novels, debating interpretations, and challenging each other’s perspectives. “Iron sharpens iron,” as the saying goes, and within this intellectual saying, Fatima’s confidence grew, and her sense of belonging within her academic community solidified. She realised that the pursuit of knowledge was not a solitary endeavour but a shared journey, enriched by diverse perspectives and mutual support.

Belonging at the University of Ibadan also transcends geographical boundaries and academic disciplines, often finding root in shared interests and extracurricular activities. The vibrant tapestry of student clubs and societies offers a plethora of avenues for students to connect with like-minded individuals. From the pulsating rhythms of the Music Department students to the intricate strategies of the Literary and Debating Society, these organisations provide spaces where passions can be explored, talents nurtured, and friendships forged.

For Peter, a reserved engineering student, the IEEE-UI Club became his sanctuary. Initially hesitant to put himself out there, he found himself drawn to the shared fascination with circuits, coding, and the intricate dance of mechanics. Within the club, he discovered a community of individuals who understood his technical jargon and shared his enthusiasm for innovation. “It was like finding a missing piece of myself,” Peter explained, his eyes lighting up as he spoke about their latest project. “Here, it did not matter if I was quiet or introverted. What mattered was my contribution, my ideas. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere, doing something I truly loved, with people who understood me.” In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.” The Robotics Club became that catalyst for Peter, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and allowing him to discover his potential within a supportive community.

Finding home away from home is not always a linear or effortless process. There are moments of loneliness, of questioning one’s place, of feeling like an outsider. The sheer diversity of the student body, while enriching, can also be initially overwhelming. Yet, it is in navigating these challenges, in reaching out, in embracing new experiences, and in finding those small pockets of connection that the seeds of belonging truly take root.

The University of Ibadan, with its rich history and diverse student population, serves as a fertile ground for these connections to flourish. It is a place where shared experiences – the collective anxiety of approaching exams, the triumphant roar after a departmental victory, the quiet understanding during moments of personal struggle – bind students together. It is within these shared moments, these small acts of kindness and understanding, that the true essence of belonging is found. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “You only are free when you realize you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all. The price of belonging is love. That implies – you have to love yourself.” Perhaps the journey of finding home away from home at the University of Ibadan is not just about finding a place, but about cultivating the love and acceptance, both for oneself and for others, that truly makes one feel like they belong. It is in these interwoven stories of connection, resilience, and shared experience that the true heart of the university, a home away from home for generations, truly beats.