Struggles and Triumphs: The Long Road to Matriculation at the University of Ibadan

By Oluseun FATOPE

As dawn broke over Ibadan on April 16, 2025, the University of Ibadan came alive with electric energy. Freshers, clad in pristine matriculation attire, filed steadily into the International Conference Centre, each carrying a blend of pride, nervous anticipation, and excitement. The matriculation ceremony is not merely a formality—it is the moment when dreams crystallize into reality for hundreds of young scholars who have journeyed through rigours from the admission portal right up to the ceremonial stage.

For many new students, the path to becoming a UIte began long before the actual ceremony. Early mornings spent anxiously refreshing admission portals and late nights preparing for the rigorous post-UTME screening were part of a journey laden with highs and lows

“Before I even clicked ‘submit’ on my JAMB application, I knew this was more than just an exam; this was the first step toward a dream. I scored 286, and every minute waiting for the result felt like an eternity,” recalled Deborah Ajayi, now a First-Year English student. Her words resonate with many who risked everything on a highly competitive process that tests not only academic prowess but also perseverance.

James Olamide, a Linguistics fresher whose admission came in after weeks of double-checking scores on his phone, explained, “when the portal finally flashed ‘CONGRATULATIONS,’ I jumped up so quickly that my parents, wondered what’s wrong, it was pure joy.”

For Blessing Nwankwo, a Theatre Arts student whose journey was fraught with late-night self-doubt, the news was bittersweet. “I didn’t see my name on the first merit list. I almost considered other options, but I kept praying. When the second list came out and my name was there, I couldn’t stop crying. I knew that every setback led me to this very moment,” she said, echoing the emotions of many who have felt the sting of near-miss admissions.

Immediately after admission came another challenge: the notorious clearance process—a maze of document uploads, portal glitches, and manual verifications that tested the organizational skills and patience of every fresher.

Zainab Salisu from the Department of Philosophy shared a moment of despair that soon turned into relief: “Each time I logged in and saw no confirmation for my upload, I feared I wouldn’t be cleared in time. When fellow freshers sent me screenshots of successful uploads, I knew I wasn’t alone and that made all the difference.” “Likewise, the physical clearance will be starting soon, I am not even praying for any disturbance while at it,” she further stated.

As the new session began, many freshers described arriving on campus as stepping into an entirely new world. The sprawling campus, dotted with lush greenery and stately academic buildings, quickly transformed from a daunting maze into a symbol of opportunity

“Stepping on campus for the first time was surreal,” said Kemi Fatogun, a Classics major who documented her initial wanderings on Instagram with photos of empty pathways at dawn. “I kept getting lost—sometimes even circling back to the same spot—but the excitement of being here outweighed all the confusion.”

Obinna Eze, another Linguistics student, recalled with mixed emotions. “During orientation, the rules were laid out clearly. They told us to expect no babysitting. It hit me hard—I had to mature fast. But it also set the tone, showing us that if we are here, we belong among the best.”

Orientation manuals, detailed handbooks, and even surprise pop quizzes were part of the curriculum meant to prime the freshers for what lay ahead

Matriculation Day: A Celebration of New Beginnings.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the culmination of all these struggles and triumphs unfolded at the International Conference Centre. The ceremony is as much a celebration for the freshers as it is a ceremonial passing of a torch from one generation to the next.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment since I first saw my name on the admission list,” said Deborah Ajayi. “Seeing all my fellow freshers in one place, dressed in our academic blues, it really hit home. we are now officially members of this hallowed institution,” she said, with a sense a fulfilment

The Vice Chancellor’s address struck a chord with everyone. Emphasizing discipline, excellence, and the responsibility of upholding the university’s longstanding traditions, the speech resonated deeply.

Look Ahead, What Do You See?

Now that the ceremony is behind them, these new UItes are poised to embrace a future full of academic challenges and opportunities. While the first days on campus have already underscored the university’s high expectations, the collective spirit of the freshers leaves no doubt that they are ready.

For the Faculty of Arts, today’s matriculation is a landmark event. It not only heralds the arrival of a new generation of scholars but also refreshes a tradition that has long been the cornerstone of Nigeria’s academic excellence.

Looking back on the winding road—from nerve-wracking admissions, through the chaos of clearance, to the triumphant roll call at the International Conference Centre—it is clear that every challenge has been met with resilience and every doubt overcome by determination. Their journey, captured in real genuine smiles, promises not only academic success but also a transformation that extends well beyond the classroom walls.

In the words of one resolute fresher, “Today, I found my home. Tomorrow, I will shape my future.”

Photo Credit: UCJUI.