The NFLT building’s landscapes shimmered with glitz and glamour as freshers streamed in, adorned in glistening dresses, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the Mr and Miss Fresher winners. Games aplenty, jewellery on display, delighted hugs, and rowdy conversations, the whole atmosphere was thrown into a frenzy. You could tell from the scenery that most were having their first party on campus as freshmen.
After some introductory remarks and preparations, the event kicked off with the MC’s lively buzz. Students enthusiastically recited old high school songs and anthems from their seats and on stage, evoking memories of the past. This playful start broke the ice and eased the audience into the main activities of the evening. Delving into the important bits, the notable student guests were acknowledged. This included the judges of the pageantry contest: Ogunnaike Rebecca, Ms Ibadan, Ata Oluwaseyifunmi, Mr UI, Hall Chairpersons and Executives of the Student Union body including the Sports Secretary, Daniel Adeshina, and the President, Bolaji Aweda.
The event also featured several talented UI creatives who entertained the audience with stellar performances. Up-and-coming student artists like Samelemz and David graced the stage to showcase their music. Notably, Medoh’s rap freestyle caught the attention of many. Certificates of participation were tended to members of the freshers committee, and they were presented by the Indy Hall Chairman—Olaniyan Ibrahim Olalekan. Also, plaques conveying appreciation for dedication to the Freshers Week activities were handed to Adeboye Temidayo, Okuzor Precious Onyechi, Seyi Ezekiel, and Folabomi Foluso by the Student Union president.
The Freshers’ Variety Night highlighting a significant event—the Mr and Miss Fresher final contest, is unarguably the most anticipated event for every freshman. From the entertaining ‘MCing and DJing,’ to the sensational talent performances from creatives, and dramatic contestants’ pageantry display, this event has secured its place in the heart of freshmen with a knack for partying and fun. When questioned, a freshman from the Department of Animal Science expressed how exciting the evening had been for him. Also, because he had a contestant from his faculty, he could barely bring himself to wait for the results.
As nightfall came on the 13th of July, 2024, after the cosplays, monologues, and choreographic shows from the contestants, they were put to a brief screening that examined their adeptness with general knowledge. Afterwards, the results were announced. Among the 3 participants in the male category—Erinola Daranijo from Agric and Environmental Engineering, a resident of Independence Hall, Adebamowo Timilehin from Science and Technology Education and Mellanby Hall, and Akintunde Enoch in the Electrical & Electronics Engineering Department, residing in Independence Hall, the Mellanbite, Adebamowo Timilehin emerged victorious and was crowned the New Mr UI fresher, 2024 edition. In an interview session after the event, when he asked how he felt about his victory, Adebamowo said, “I can’t describe what I feel. I don’t know. I feel wonderful.”
The Miss Fresher crown was a real jostle between Miriam Okoh, a Psychology student and resident of Queen Idia Hall, and Okoro Hauwa, an Agronomy student resident in Queen Elizabeth II Hall. For the first time in many years, a Queen Elizabeth II hall Resident clinched victory and was crowned the Latest Miss UI fresher.
Oladele Irenyenikan