I could vividly remember my day of matriculation just like yesterday. March 11 would probably be the day my life changed drastically. Stepping into Ekiti State University was my first step towards my tertiary education life, and as everyone else I was very nervous, agitated, anxious and at the same time excited because it would be the day of my official 'initiation' into the school system.
"Oh my God!, I will not be a 'jambite' any longer " was the thought of many freshers as they were fondly called.
On the eve of the Matric day, fear dawned on every fresh students as we heard that we would be beaten mercilessly the next day, which was part of the conventional tradition of the school. "To become a member of this school, you have to be initiated through flogging and the likes ".
I woke up the next day which was the matriculation day at exactly 5a.m after I had set alarm the previous night. And to my utmost disappointment, my room was full of dirty and stinking water. As if this was not enough, some students burst into our hostel to lash us but I took refuge in my chairman's room. However, this did not last for long as I was pushed out into the hands of my 'enemy' by the chairman himself.
Immediately, I had my legs running faster than my brain until I got to the popular Iworoko mountain which served that day as my hiding place.
When I felt the whole issue had been subdued, I went back to the hostel to get dressed for the business of day. After which I manipulatively thrust my MATRICULATION gown inside my bag to save me from further beating so I won't look like 'dem'. But as fate would have it, I was stopped on the bike at Oshekita junction by another set of 'miscreants' and the following conversation ensued.
They : 'Drop!, Abi you no hear ni? ( in a thick masculine voice)
Me : (fidgeting but immediately alighted)
They: 'Wetin dey your bag' (search through it)
Me : 'The Matric gown is for my younger brother, I am only going for lecture '
But the lie was so fake because the returning students were on break at that particular period.For this reason, all my money was hijacked and I had to trek to school.
Unfortunately, I got to school late and could not catch a glimpse of the first session at the Main Auditorium.
If you think you have worn the best dress that day, NO!. Some with beautiful apparel and others with the worst dress or probably the combination I have ever seen. While some are happy that their parents are around, others are sad not to see their parents.
I took picture at the motion ground but to my greatest displeasure, I am yet to get my pictures(hardcopy) till date. Oops!
Nevertheless, that day would always be remembered for good because it is one of my greatest memories ever!
Why not share us your own personal matriculation experience?
By Olawuyi Oluwatosin Deborah
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