As the Eid celebrations— popularly called Ileya in Nigeria, a Yoruba expression meaning “it’s time to come home”— draw near, many UIMSAites are once again faced with the classic holiday dilemma: to travel home or stay back on campus. For some, it’s a literal return to family, community, and the familiar comforts of festive traditions. For others, the pull of academic responsibilities, short breaks, or high travel costs makes staying back in Ibadan the more realistic option. Still, the essence of Ileya—reconnection, gratitude, and celebration—finds expression wherever one chooses to be.
In this vox pop, UIMSAites at different stages of their academic journey share their thoughts on Eid plans, cherished traditions, and the meaning of this special time.
Why are you staying back for Eid?
Zaynab: Honestly, I wish I could go home for Eid. I come from Osun State, which is quite far, and the transport costs are very high right now. Plus, the holiday break is really short, so traveling doesn’t seem practical this year. I also have some remedial clinical postings to catch up on, which means I really don’t have much choice but to stay back. It’s not that I’m putting school over family, it’s just the circumstances making it difficult.
How do you plan to celebrate Eid while staying on campus?
Habeeb: My plan is to pray early at the university mosque and then prepare a simple meal with friends here in Mellanby. It won’t be the same as home, but we support each other. I’ll also call home to catch up with family and join the celebrations remotely.
Why have you chosen to stay back this year?
Fatimah: I’m definitely staying back this year. Honestly, Ileya at home can be a bit overwhelming—too many relatives, too many expectations. Sometimes it feels more like work than a holiday. Here in school, I can choose how I want to celebrate. I’ll go for prayers, then hang out with my friends, cook something nice, and just enjoy a calm day. At home, I’d probably be running errands or attending to visitors all day. In school, I actually get to rest and celebrate on my own terms.
What do you look forward to most about Eid, especially since you’re going home?
Abdulbasit: Going home is important for me. The Eid prayers with my family, the warm meals, and the joyful noise are what I miss when I’m here. No matter how busy clinicals get, I always try to make time for home during Eid. It helps me recharge spiritually and emotionally.
What do you think you’d miss most if you were to stay back?
Aishat: I don’t want to stay back. I’ll miss my mum’s cooking, the laughter of my siblings, and our family traditions. Eid at home feels alive; everyone is together, wearing new clothes and visiting neighbours. I’m looking forward to going home this year.
Yusuf: Eid is one of those times I don’t want to miss at home. It’s when my extended family gathers, and the entire neighbourhood comes alive. I’ll travel home as soon as lectures allow, and spend the day with my loved ones, eating and sharing stories.
Khadijah: I’m making plans to be home for Eid. The excitement of preparing the meal, helping my mum in the kitchen, and catching up with cousin. Those moments are priceless. I know next year might be different when clinicals start, so I’m making the most of this year.
Whether at home surrounded by loved ones or on campus making the most of quiet celebrations, UIMSAites are finding personal meaning in this year’s Ileya. Looking forward to family reunions and preparing traditional meals with friends builds anticipation among many students. While some will celebrate on the quiet hospital wards and some at their lively family homes, UIMSAites at the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine will experience this Eid in ways that reflect their varied journeys. For some, the holiday is a time to pause and reconnect with loved ones, and for others, it is a chance to focus on the demanding path of clinical training while finding community on campus. Regardless of where they spend the day, the essence of Eid—gratitude, renewal, and togetherness—shines through, binding everyone in a shared spirit of hope and joy.
