The Unmatched Brilliance of CLA Students’ Events

Eniola Awolesi

Hardly any semester passes at the Faculty of Arts, or any Faculty in the University of Ibadan for that matter, without each department competing to host the most interesting gatherings and events. From Freshers Welcome events to dinner nights, variety nights, and costume days, to mention a few. All these are carried out amid the hustle and bustle of studying.

However, amidst all the birds of departments that show off their wings in the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Communication and Language Arts stands out both in its creativity and innovation. It leads other departments, as they now follow the trend the students of this department set. Each of their events leaves a mask of distinction in the hearts of all attendees, and it has become increasingly impossible to ignore this great feat they have achieved.

Their prowess in organizing tantalizing events now begs the question of the magic ingredient that elevates their events from enjoyable gatherings to unforgettable experiences. Despite their uncanny ability to host the most engaging and memorable events on campus, they are also held in high esteem for their excellent academic performances. In short, they slay, play, and read.

Beginning right from the Freshers Welcome, to the glamorous Dinner Night and other mid-semester parties, their events are always a cut above the rest. What’s their secret?
The first thing that would catch your eye is their publicity. Their flyers are not just pieces of paper; they are artistic masterpieces. Bold, vibrant colours, catchy slogans and slang, and creative designs are used. These flyers don’t just invite; they inspire curiosity. Their social media game is equally strong. They come up with witty captions attached to their teaser videos. With these, they build anticipation, and they KNOW HOW to do just that, leaving everyone excited for the upcoming event.

Their event videos are also not like the typical promotional content. They are short films that tell stories and also capture the essence of the event. Their videos are a blend of excitement, anticipation, and the promise of a good time, with crisp editing and an amazing soundtrack.

While every department has its events, what sets the Communication and Language Art department apart is its students’ attention to detail. They make use of and combine various expressions of creativity. While some might argue that they are overly polished, just like the 200-level student of Theatre Arts who said of them, “Their own is too much. My department is also ” there” in the media area, yet we don’t lavish on events that much.” It can be argued that they are only striving to achieve perfection.

Also, to them, it’s not just about projecting an image; it is also about living their course. Their events reflect their curriculum—the art of effective communication, the power of language, and the impact of visual storytelling. Perhaps it’s the nature of their course of study that propels them to create events that are not just events but experiences. In an age where communication is key, they are not just organizing events; they are sending out a message.

Another 300-level English Language student noted, “Of course, I give them the credits for all their events. In fact, at some point, I would always compare my department to theirs and wish I was part of them. However, the creativity of their events is dwindling. They are still top-notch, but I wouldn’t compare them to the ones they had when I was in 100 level.”

Maybe that’s true, maybe not. We’d keep our fingers crossed for the next event they hold and compare to see if, truly, they are falling below par or their excellence is still being maintained.