Episode 2: Chukwudi’s Confession.
Narrated by Chukwudi.
Life at the University of Abuja is a rollercoaster, and today was no exception. When Ade arrived and stepped into our room for the first time, I could tell he was nervous. His eyes darted around the room like he was searching for a sign that everything would be okay. Little did he know, he was stepping into a world that was both exhilarating and challenging.
I had been eagerly waiting to show him the ropes. The first few days were always the hardest, adjusting to the new environment, meeting new people, and navigating the labyrinthine campus. And today was no different. As we settled into our routines, I could sense Ade’s apprehension, so I decided to give him a tour and share a few insider tips.
“First things first, you need to know where everything is,” I said with a grin. “This campus is huge. Over there is Mini Campus—where the old lectures and labs used to be before they built the Permanent Site.” I pointed towards the cluster of buildings in the distance. “That’s where the old boys used to stay before they moved to the new hostels. It’s more of a relic now, but worth knowing about.”
Ade listened intently, nodding as I continued. “Now, if you need off-campus accommodations, Iddo is the place to check out. It’s a bit far, but you can find some good deals there if you’re willing to commute.” I watched his eyes widen at the thought of navigating Abuja’s bustling streets.
As we walked, we passed the Convocation Ground, where students gathered for important events and ceremonies. “This place is always buzzing during graduation,” I said. “You’ll probably be here sooner than you think, making your family proud.”
Our tour ended at the Senate Building, where crucial decisions about the university were made. “This place is where all the big decisions happen. Be prepared for some drama, especially when the student unions get involved,” I joked. Ade chuckled, his nerves starting to ease.
As evening approached, we headed back to the hostel. Ade was beginning to relax, but I could tell something was bothering him. It wasn’t until we were back in our room that he finally spoke up.
“Chukwudi, can I ask you something?” he said, his voice tinged with anxiety. “Do you think I’m going to make it here? I mean, with all the pressure and everything…”
I could see the worry in his eyes. I sat down next to him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Listen, Ade, everyone goes through this. It’s not just about making it through; it’s about finding your place and making it your own. Trust me, you’ll find your way.”
He nodded, but I could still see the doubt lingering. Before I could say more, there was a loud knock on the door. I opened it to find a stern-looking man with a clipboard. “I need to see you, Chukwudi. It’s urgent.”
My heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t normal. “What’s this about?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
The man’s face was serious. “I can’t discuss it here. Follow me.”
I turned to Ade, whose eyes were filled with concern. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.”
As I followed the man down the dimly lit corridor, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen. The air was thick with tension, and the silence between us was almost unbearable. We reached a small office at the end of the hall. The man opened the door and gestured for me to enter.
Inside, the office was cluttered with papers and old files. A single desk lamp cast eerie shadows on the walls. The man sat behind the desk, gesturing for me to take a seat.
“What’s this about?” I asked, my voice echoing in the quiet room.
The man looked at me with a somber expression. “There’s been a development regarding your room assignment.”
Before he could explain further, the office door burst open, and another man stormed in, holding a stack of documents. “We’ve got a problem with the hostel allocations. This might affect your current arrangement.”
My heart raced. What could possibly be so urgent about my room assignment? The man behind the desk looked at me with a mixture of sympathy and concern.
“We’ll need to make some changes,” he said slowly. “And it might not be what you expect.”
As I sat there, the gravity of the situation sank in. What kind of changes were they talking about? And how would this affect my future at the university?
I left the office with a heavy heart, unsure of what awaited me. As I walked back to the hostel, the uncertainty loomed over me like a dark cloud. Ade was waiting anxiously when I returned.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
I tried to smile, but it felt forced. “They’re making some changes to the hostel arrangements. I’ll keep you updated.”
As we sat in silence, the weight of the unknown pressed down on us. The future felt uncertain, and the shadows of doubt began to creep in. What lay ahead for both of us was a mystery, and we were left with more questions than answers.
