Nigeria secured her independence from the British and got the chance to elect a Governor-General of her own for the first time since her inception. This event elicited feelings of joy and fulfillment amongst the Nigerian populace. Apparently, the hugely coveted position could not be occupied by just any mean man. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a quintessential journalist, undauntedly stepped up to shoulder the responsibility of the nascent nation’s highest office. The charisma of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was such that it was during the course of his visit to the then newly established Hall of Residence at the University of Ibadan that the Hall began to bear his name. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s feat was nothing short of greatness, hence, the motto: The Quality of Greatness.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall residents are regarded as “Zikites” or better yet,”Lions of Baluba” for their uncanny bravery especially on matters that have a semblance of injustice, for instance, there is the popular saying that,”when Zik hall sneezes UI catches cold“, this means in essence that Zik Hall is often the fountainhead of major events that shake the University of Ibadan to its very foundation. In academics, Zik Hall also boasts of a colossal stature as he reportedly accounts for the highest number of first-class students. In politics, he is a potent force to reckon with, it is even widely said that having a Zikite as a rival in any election is almost tantamount to fighting a losing battle because of the strong bond of brotherhood amongst Zikites hinged on its numerical strength. The philosophy of “Zikism” has fast metamorphosed from a mere doctrine of oneness to a dogma by its adherents and proponents who are of course members of the hall. This quality that exudes greatness has made Zik Hall the envy of other halls of residence.
“The Quality of Greatness” – this motto sadly doesn’t rub off on the poor state of things of the Hall’s Secretariat, in fact, it is a parody of pride. While Zikites may be easily predicted to take pride in the spirit of Zikism, it is doubtful that it would be the same case with Hall’s secretariat. The secretariat is lackadaisically sprawled on an inconspicuous location as if it holds no significance. It is what any passer-by would take to be just any other room within the Hall. In fact, it is highly probable that Zikites do not realize it is Hall’s secretariat until concerns of the Hall are to be unknotted. This is most likely a consequence of the building being bereft of an inscription indicating its presence and purpose. This unfortunately is what has held sway for years with no priority for this necessity in sight.
The elements of Hall’s secretariat appear to have seen better days. The louver blades seem to have lost too many of its other comrades to casualties and seem to have given up on its essence. As if that is not enough, the window nets seem to be more than ready to retire as well, as a comely invitation to mosquitoes. The Air-conditioner looks like a perfect fit for a relic, the cushion chairs appear to scream for help.
The ailing situation of the secretariat is a cause for worry as it ought to be understood by all and sundry that the secretariat is the face of any organization owing to the fact that it serves as a place where pertinent issues are discussed as well as where meetings with important visitors of the Hall are likely to take place. Therefore, major players and stakeholders of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall are called upon to revive the greatness of the building by renovating the secretariat and giving it the glory it deserves.
Long live Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall!
Long live the University of Ibadan!
Long live Nigeria!
– Seven the Scribbler
