I hadn’t taken a cold bath or shower in decades—ever since I left Nigeria over 30 years ago. Even during my visits back home, there was always hot water available. That is, until a couple of days ago.
I was in Ibadan with my classmates for our first reunion—the University of Ibadan Law Class of ’88. It was an event I had been eagerly anticipating. Some of my classmates I hadn’t seen since we graduated, and while I’d visited UI a few times over the years, this was different. We were returning as a group to the institution that launched our careers, the school rich in academic history and home to so many great Nigerians. The one and only Great UI.
Driving through the gates, a familiar feeling washed over me. Despite the passage of time, everything seemed the same. While there were a few new additions, many of the iconic landmarks—UI Bookstore, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Kuti Hall, Bello Hall, Trenchard Hall—remained frozen in time, untouched since 1988. Unfortunately, this familiarity extended to the state of the infrastructure. Some staff quarters had crumbled, and even newer buildings showed signs of neglect. It was clear the institution was in dire need of intentional leadership to spearhead consistent renovations and infrastructure development through strategic fundraising.
I drove straight to UI Hotels, where we’d all agreed to stay. As I entered the hotel gates, I was struck by a wave of déjà vu—and not the good kind. A few years earlier, I’d stayed here with my family during a visit from Canada. Back then, I had boasted about it being a great place to stay. To my embarrassment, our experience had been anything but. Shortly after checking in, the electricity went out, and the generator failed to kick in. We endured a sleepless night in the oppressive heat, battling mosquitoes. The next morning, we left in a hurry, exhausted and frustrated. I apologized profusely to my family and vowed never to return. Yet here I was, breaking that promise.
At the reception, I cautiously asked if there had been any improvements. The friendly staff assured me there was now 24-hour electricity. Reluctantly, I checked in. My room was basic but tolerable. The air conditioning worked, and the mosquito netting on the windows was intact, but the bathroom was another story. The toilet had no seat, the provided soap looked pitiful, and there was no body lotion. Worse, the intercom didn’t work, so any request required a trip to the front desk—a detail that, despite my complaints, remained unresolved.
The hotel restaurant and bar also left much to be desired. Both could benefit from modern decor and better service. Despite its many shortcomings, UI Hotels has significant potential to generate revenue for the university. It just needs intentional investment and a commitment to quality.
Amidst these frustrations, I faced an unexpected challenge. My room had no hot water. Normally, I’d complain, but given my lack of faith in any swift resolution, I decided to confront the situation. Summoning all my courage, I prepared for a cold bath. It was not an easy decision. With gritted teeth and a whispered prayer of *“The Lord is my Shepherd,”* I braced myself and stepped under the cold water.
I survived. I did it. For the first time in decades, I bathed with cold water—and lived to tell the tale. Strangely, this small victory felt significant. Courtesy of UI Hotels, I faced my fear and proved to myself that sometimes, good things can emerge from an inconvenient situation.
Likewise, UI can confront its infrastructural fears. By embracing bold, strategic fundraising, fostering partnerships, and committing to consistent maintenance, the institution can reclaim its glory. Just as I stepped into cold water despite my hesitation, UI too must step into the challenge of reinvention, proving that greatness is not just in its past but also in its future.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, story based leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst. Follow him for discussions on real life issues that affect us all:* https://substack.com/@johnsonbabalola https://medium.com/@jblawyer2021 https jbdlaw Website: www.johnsonbabalola://www.facebook.com/jbandthings
IG: @jbdlaw/@jbandthings
*You can obtain a copy of his book, REJECTED on Amazon, FriesenPress, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Nook Store etc.*
