CHAPTER 5: FIRST LECTURE.
My registration journey came to an end, but it took me a week to finalize everything.
I was walking from one office to another, submitting my documents.
Tepesay and I were watching a movie on my phone when we heard a knock landed on the door.
“Come in,” we said in unison.
Slowly the door opened and she entered.
A dark skinned lady. Her skin was as smooth as glass. Her beautiful smile illuminated the room.
Tepasay stood up and hugged her briefly.
“Hello,” she greeted.
“Welcome."
Soon, they began to communicate in their language, which I didn't understand.
So, I buried my face in the movie we were watching before her arrival.
Moment later, Tepasay tapped me.
“Ola, meet Joy,” he said. “Your coursemate I told you about.”
At first, I had mixed feelings because I thought the lady was his girlfriend.
The way they conversed.
The way they related said it all.
He then continued, “Joy meet Ola, my friend.”
I smiled when he called me his friend.
Because, to me, friend is not just an ordinary word.
My experience during secondary school days had shaped my perception about friends.
Friends influenced me negatively and almost ruined my life.
Hence, I don't just call everyone my friend, as there are words that can be substituted for that.
Nevertheless, Tepasay is a jovial, social, likeable person and I love his personality.
His ability to embrace and be free with me within a short period of time without putting into consideration my background, ethnicity affiliation was great.
“Good afternoon,” I greeted her.
She let out a smile.
“Afternoon, bro. How has Kashere been treating you?” She asked.
I sighed.
At that moment, countless questions were in my mind begging for answers.
We conversed…really conversed.
She told me about her experience so far in the school.
And with her help, I attended my first lecture.
In fact, I just left the bathroom, when my phone buzzed through the silence.
“Hello.”
"Hello," I answered.
"Ola, where are you?" Joy's voice came from the other end.
"I'm at home," I replied.
She laughed.
"Please be fast. Our GST 101 lecturer is already in class."
My heart skipped.
"My first lecture?"
"Yes. Unless you want to miss it."
"I'll be there shortly."
The call ended.
"Who was that?" Tepasay enquired.
"Joy," I replied while searching for my clothes.
He smiled knowingly.
"I thought as much."
Within minutes, I was dressed and ready.
Joy had already sent me the venue through WhatsApp.
I hurried towards the lecture hall.
The campus was lively with activity. Students moved from one building to another.
Some carried books while others hurried not to late for the afternoon class.
The sun hanged in the sky, never blinking, shinning on different foreheads.
Scorching like fire.
I finally arrived at the lecture hall.
A five hundred capacity lecture theatre
It was Students packed.
They looked like unorganized regiments, hanging at different angle.
Some sat on the floor.
Some sat on the chairs
Some sat on the arms of chairs
Some were standing
No fan
No electricity.
At the front stood a middle-aged lecturer holding a mic.
I paused at the entrance.
I couldn't believe my eyes
This was it.
My first university lecture.
"Ha!"
Yea! excitement ran through my blood.
But the uncondulsive environment for learning saddened my heart
I scanned the hall until I spotted Joy waving at me from a corner.
"There is space here," she whispered.
I was relieved. Finally the person I was familiar with.
I squeezed through the crowd and sat beside her.
"You're lucky," she said.
"Another two minutes and you would not get a seat."
I smiled.
"Thank you."
The lecturer cleared his throat and the hall fell silent.
"Welcome to Federal University Of Kashere Gombe State" he began.
As I opened my notebook and wrote the date at the top of the page, I recalled all the years of waiting, uncertainty, and sacrifice.
I was finally where I had always dreamed of being.
I was no longer chasing admission.
I was now a university student.
At least, that was what I thought
TO BE CONTINUED......
@ÀDÙNÍ
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