MY CAMPUS THEORY

Most times, I try to talk myself away from it over and over and over again. The fact is, Ibadan is yet to be like Lagos. Lagos is arguably Africa’s economic capital. Away from the economic ups and downs (buying and selling) on the streets of Lagos, transportation means is another joy to watch. The common struggle for the “yellow and black” queen of the city or bike as the case may be.

Now let’s fast forward to Ibadan, a city where you get just half of the stress you get in Lagos. Unlike Lagos, you hardly see people struggle for buses or taxis, in fact; you are always begged by the drivers. The democracy of choosing your own preferred bus is never taken away from you in Ibadan.

The truth is, life on the road is easier here compared to Lagos. Life as a student here is awesome. I have been in Ibadan since the early months of the year, and I can say “hold up” has its origin in Lagos. I hardly encounter hold ups, whether going in or out of campus. The Sango area of Ibadan is often free from hold up except from the usual delay in passing vehicles at the TOTAL FUEL STATION junction. As a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, I either wait for bike into the campus or use the SUG bus at the car park.

Unlike Lagos where it is 1 person to a bike, it is usually or preferably 2 in Ibadan. The ‘two-persons’ per bike rule is what actually brought about this article. I have always wondered why two people; sometimes strangers would have to endure themselves on a bike till their different destination. Well, there are days I don’t fancy the ‘two-persons’ rule, therefore pay for the two seats. This is usually as a result of emergencies or “too much money” in my pocket, (Smiles). Getting a bike to go your way is not usually the problem in most cases but getting the second passenger…it is like looking for beans, akara or butter after you have gotten bread.

It is not unusual to see a male and female ‘bike’ together. The only issue is, females would always request to sit last i.e. after the first passenger. It is one unwritten rule that is adhered to strictly by females on campus, ‘A guy must always sit first.’ As students, you would expect them to come up with a theory or believe.

One theory that is agreed upon by every student on campus is that; whenever a girl sits first and a guy is behind, it is either they close friends or dating.

So if you happen to be around, be rest assured there’s a stress free activity on the roads and our bikes are for twos and not one. And if you are in or on your way to the campus, don’t take offense when girl ask use to sit first. It is way of life here.

Featured Image: hub201