THE PERCEPTION OF HALLS OF RESIDENCE IN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

The very first hostel encountered when one walks through the University of Ibadan's First Gate is Queen Elizabeth II Hall. The ancient building, the first hall of residence for females in the university, sits regal like the monarch she was named after. Sprawling comfortably, Queen Elizabeth II Hall is the first female hostel in the University. During its opening, the deceased queen, Queen Elizabeth II was in attendance.

Regardless of the fact that halls of residence are assigned to fresh students randomly, each of them and (and some private hostels) have stereotypes that are alluded to each resident.

ON REPUTATIONS

What image do the halls of residence present to the general public? To the uninitiated, the aspiring students and the freshers, the reputation of each hall of residence is deeply entrenched in decade-old stereotypes. Which residents may or may not partake in. Assignments to halls of residence are completely random, thus when asked about his residence he says, “Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall,” you blink in shock, laugh, and say, “But you don’t seem like a Zikite!”

Naturally, we can’t ignore the weight that reputations hold. The question is just how much of the perceived stereotypes are deserved. Who decides the reputation of the residents do we make ourselves or are we doomed to carry out the stereotypes that have been sunk into the foundations of the building and as residents are now carved into our identity, as surely as the matriculation number was branded.

The stereotypes have been associated with halls occur through no fault or effort of the residents (although some residents of a certain hostels take pride in acting in ways that enforce  the negative stereotypes that they now believe to be tradition). A large percentage of students stay in these halls for four to five years. It would be difficult and take deliberate effort on the past of the hall leaders to eradiate decades-old stereotypes.

However, in smaller more exclusive circles, stereotypes do not hold water. The most politically inclined halls are well known in politicking circles, the halls with the best speakers and the best speeches are known amongst public speakers, the best athletes, the best social events,  the best at pageantries, even down to the best cafeterias and so on. Although, these circles stand apart, sometimes they interconnect and when they don’t get give a general outlook on what the hall is and this is what the initiated see.

It is inherently useless to have pride in one’s halls based in its stereotypes or decades-old perception.  The only pride you can have as a resident in that hall is a testament to the achievements. If Ransome Kuti Hall wins the Jaw War competition this session, it's a testament to the hard work of its residents and the perception of Ransome Kuti Hall within and outside public speaking circles in the University will shift slightly, to accommodate that achievement.

The achievements of the residents of each hall of residence is the achievement of the halls. For example, Queen Elizabeth II Hall won Fresher’s Cup this year, which had never before happened in the history of the hall, would walk feverishly to win that Cup again next year and break other sport records.

The hall of residence a student is assigned to is more than just a place to line while pursuing a degree. They are just as important as faculties and department especially in respect to the socialization and development of each student in the university

The former Hall Chairpersom, Àjàyí Temiloluwa Elizabeth, in her first interview with Queen Elizabeth II Hall, talked about her goals for the administration. She stated that she wanted the hall to be known for something good, in every sphere. Queenites are not made for Queens 101. She was aware of the stereotype and her administration worked towards breaking them.

How much of the perceived prestige of Queen Elizabeth II Hall lies in its stone foundation; how much of it is built in the  achievements of its residents  and its reputation painstakinly built from the ground up over the years.