Residents of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall who are currently in 200 level share their interesting experiences staying in Zik Hall in their first year.
Everyone in the Hall stands with one another in time of need… — Fabiyi Oluwadamilare (FADACA)
I felt a family structure in the Hall, everyone in the Hall stands with one another in time of need both politically and academically. I also tried to put my best in the success of the Hall. I was very much involved in activities that would bring the quality of greatness of the Hall out.
Zik Hall was a perfect environment for my mental health as there was no moment of boredom in the Hall, from the “Aro” to the “Ewa night” and the frequent gyrations. In term of academics, Zik Hall organised series of tutorials and mock examinations which helped me and many other Zikites in preparing them for examinations.
“Zik Hall was home” for me, I got everything I needed and I also offered everything I could.
A Zikite without academic excellence, from my own view, will not be considered a true Zikite — AbdulRaheem Nasirudeen
Q: What was your first impression about Zik Hall?
A: Yep. The first time I heard about Zik was during my Post UTME. I was in Indy and any mention of Zik hall was always about their rugged behaviors, bugged rooms, breaking rules etc. Only few talks about the intellectual attributes of Zikites. At that time, I never wished to be a Zikite.
Q: What was your emotion when you were allocated to Zik Hall?
A: I wasn’t so happy about it initially. The only thing I loved about Zik was the spacious rooms compared to Bello and others. So, whenever I think about Zik, I try not to remember what I’ve heard in the past and just live with it, just live with the fact that I’m a Zikite now and I must learn how to survive in that environment.
Q: Is there a change in how you used to see being a Zikite then and now?
A: My perspective about the Hall changed in the very first week of being a Zikite. Then, I thought it was because we were all freshmen, but when stale students resumed, it wasn’t as I expected. I had no choice but to fall in love with the Hall. Every attribute of a typical Zikite I heard of in the past were all true but not the way they made it sound. From rugged guys, to rather assertive set of people.
Q: Is the “rugged lifestyle” a terror to academic excellence?
A: To me, nop
e. A Zikite without academic excellence, from my own view, will not be considered a true Zikite. To be very honest, those vibes don’t have any negative effect on my reading. It almost has no effect at all. I’ve tried the reading room once and it’s just not my style. I prefer my corner to the reading room.
Q: How do you feel about Zikites and Aro?
A: Aro is one thing I like about Zik. Just that sometimes they tend to overdo the whole thing especially when it involves girls passing through the Hall. I dislike how they tend to insult the girls sometimes. But the typical Aro is a vibe and I miss it.
Q: What’s that moment that caught your attention the most as a Zikite?
A: Baptism. It was fun but I didn’t partake.
Q: What has being a Zikite done to you?
A: I can’t say. I don’t even know what has changed about me that could’ve been the result of being a Zikite for a year.
Q: Can you describe Zikites’ lifestyle in your own perspective?
A: Zikites “wannabe’ Zikites anywhere they have to present themselves. Wherever they are, they want people to feel their presence. You can’t oppress a typical Zikite, it doesn’t end well for the oppressor. It’s like they’re everywhere and always ready to defend each other. Make e no be like say person they form, I’ve seen stuff like this happen where someone tried to intimidate a gentle Zikite and fellows around stood up to defend their own.
People of the Zik society have a particular way of life and a distinct way of doing things — Akinmusire David
Zik for me is a society on its own. People of the Zik society have a particular way of life and a distinct way of doing things. Even though one would say they show it in the weirdest of ways. Well, for me it was very exciting and I did enjoy it ; from being a member of the health team , to our ever dope “Ewa Nights ” and nights where we all gathered to watch football matches. But above all I’m grateful to God for being able to meet some of the brightest minds to have ever been created.
One thing that differentiates Aro from harassment is ACTION — Adeniji Uthman A (UI Yamburger)
Q: How did you feel when you got allocated to Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall?
A: I was so happy, finally in my dream Hall. I was so happy.
Q: What is that one moment that lives rent-free in your head from your stay in the Baluba Kingdom?
A: The moment Sebastian was announced as the Winner of Zik Hall chairmanship election.
Q: What do you feel about Aro? Who should do Aro and what makes an Aro different from harassment?
A: Aro is just a culture in Baluba Kingdom. To me, I do Aro whenever I feel depressed, you know? Life as a freshman then was not easy. Problem everywhere among course mates, with lecturers, and other things. I just use Aro to cure depression and also to improve my self confidence, that is, ability to approach people.
Every rational human being should be able to do Aro. One thing that differentiates Aro from harassment is ACTION. I mean your action towards the victim. You know you can’t be using abusive words against someone and picture it as Aro. No, that is not aro but something else.
Q: Lastly, how would you summarise your life as a Zikite?
A: Let me just say greatness. I hope I never regret to be a Zikite. Life in Zik Hall is like life in Heaven. BALUBA TO THE WORLD!
The tradition of oneness , togetherness and brotherhood is what I cherish most about Zik Hall— Henry Nejo
Q: What was your reaction when you found out that you got Zik Hall as your Hall of residence?
A: I was very much excited because I have stayed in Zik during my post-UTME days and I enjoyed it then, so, that made me admire Zik Hall a lot.
Q: Was there a prior stereotype you had about Zik Hall before becoming a member and did those stereotype (s) turn out be true when you resumed to the Hall?
A: The “Elders” in Block D sometimes dealt with fresh students in harsh way on issues that could be resolved peaceful
and it happened that way times without number.
Q: What have you come to cherish most about Zik hall during the course of your first year?
A: The tradition of oneness , togetherness and brotherhood is what I cherish most about Zik Hall.
It really helps in many areas the educational aspect, the political aspect , just
to mention a few.
Q: Adapting to life in the “Baluba Kingdom” , was it seamless or strenuous ?
A: Seamless.
Q: Overall, how has been your experience so far?
A: I’ve had such a cool experience that I won’t forget so easily.
Anytime I remember days in Zik hall I will smile and be full of joy for the priceless memory.
Q: Do you have any piece of advice for incoming Zikites?
A. My advice to them is not to be carried away by the activities in Zik Hall alone.They should emulate the tradition of excellence in their academic pursuit which is the most respected tradition in Zik hall.
It was an awesome experience, like a dream come true— Bamidele Taiwo Paul (Bam T)
It was an awesome experience, like a dream come true. Getting to stay in UI in my first year was one of the best things I had. Like immediately I saw I was allocated to Zik Hall, I was elated and eager to pay my accommodation fee.
Like the spirit of Baluba Kingdom is meant to enter every freshman after baptism, spirits of excellence were also incorporated in me. I had good results in my first year.
