During our primary school days, we often sang a particular song:
“University dára níbi táwọn ọ̀mọ̀wé wà, níbẹ̀ lọ́kàn mi fẹ́ lọ, orí yóò mú mi dé bẹ́ẹ̀ o.”
This song was profound in its meaning. It stimulated my curiosity and raised several questions about the differences between universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
After seeking answers from different sources, I began to appreciate the value of university education and developed a strong desire to attend one.
When I got to secondary school, some of our teachers described the University of Ibadan as the best university in Nigeria. Being a naturally curious boy, I conducted my own research. Beyond everything I had heard, I arrived at the same conclusion: the University of Ibadan was indeed the best.
The institution has proudly earned the identity, “The First and The Best.” Those words speak volumes. Its rich history, distinguished alumni, academic standards, reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence have consistently set it apart.
My curiosity eventually led me to ask where the university was located. I approached my brother, who gave me directions. I started saving little amounts of money until I had enough to embark on what would become a historic journey to the University of Ibadan. I was in JSS 3 at the time.
On arriving at the campus, I initially felt intimidated. I wondered whether lecturers or students would question my presence or send me away because I was not a member of the university community.
To my surprise, nobody disturbed me. I kept exploring, moving deeper into the heart of the institution. I visited virtually every corner I could access.
The excitement and joy of the moment made me forget how many kilometres I had covered.
It remains one of the most unforgettable days of my childhood. I returned home so excited that I became something of a celebrity among my friends, enthusiastically narrating and sometimes exaggerating everything I had seen.
However, one thing was certain: I had made up my mind to become a student of the University of Ibadan after secondary school. No other institution was an option. UI was my dream school!
I gave it my best shot and made every effort to secure admission. However, as fate would have it, The Polytechnic, Ibadan offered me admission.
I was caught between two emotions. I was excited because gaining admission into a higher institution was a significant achievement, especially when I considered some older people in my community who had made several attempts to secure admission without success. At the same time, I felt disappointed because the University of Ibadan remained my first and only choice.
My elder brother, my confidant, adviser and one of my greatest sources of encouragement, counselled me to be grateful for the admission offered by The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He reminded me that securing admission was an achievement in itself and assured me that I could still fulfil my dream of attending the University of Ibadan if I remained determined.
His words brought comfort to my heart, strengthened my resolve and gave me a new perspective. I decided to embrace his advice and make the best of the opportunity before me.
One thing, however, never changed: the University of Ibadan remained my school of choice.
What happened next?
