My journey to Lead City University for the Japanese conference was a successful and memorable one. Although it was a little stressful at one point, the experience was worth it. Let me take you through the journey, from the transportation and beautiful sights along the road to the conference itself.
I was not yet a member of the club, so I registered as a participant for ₦10,000. I also purchased a T-shirt for ₦6,000, and I am now officially a member of the club. Of course, there was also the cost of transportation. Thank you, Daddy, for making this possible.
I even recorded a video along the way. Perhaps I should start a travel vlog; I am not sure yet. 😂
I was also told that there would be a conference package for me, probably a bag, which I would collect next week. I look forward to receiving it!💃
The Journey
My journey began at the University of Ibadan (UI) gate, where I took a keke to Mokola, then proceeded to Challenge before finally heading to Lead City University.
Along the way, I saw the Fresh FM radio station for the first time. I also saw Cocoa House, a remarkably tall building, and a beautiful statue. There were different junctions and roundabouts, and I enjoyed observing the surroundings.
Trust me, the trip was worth it!
The Stressful Part
Although the journey was not particularly stressful overall, there was one moment that made it quite demanding.
While I was attending the programme, I heard that a class might hold back at school. Immediately, I thought, “If this class holds, we will definitely have an impromptu test!”
I had to rush back to school because I did not want to miss a possible test. Guess what? The class was cancelled!
Before returning to the conference, I stopped at a cafeteria on campus to eat and then headed back to Lead City.
Imagine rushing from the conference to school, only to discover that the class had been cancelled, and then returning to the conference! 😂 That back-and-forth journey was what made the day stressful.
This is exactly why I need a car and a private jet! 😂
Nevertheless, I returned to the conference because the experience was truly eye-opening. Despite the stress, I can confidently say that it was worthwhile.
The School
When I arrived at Lead City University, one of the first things I noticed was its enormous stadium. I also observed that the school buildings were painted white and blue.
I saw the theatre used by the College of Medicine, the one used by law students, and a chapel. Even the kekes within the school were painted blue and white to match the colours of the buildings.
Trust me, the university is spacious, and its environment has a sense of history. I was impressed by the size of the campus and the different facilities I encountered.
The Students
One thing that caught my attention was the students’ use of specific uniforms.
The medical students were wearing wine-coloured scrubs that day, while other students wore different outfits. I cannot quite remember all the colours and styles, but what stood out to me was the sense of uniformity.
In the conference hall, I also saw students from different institutions and disciplines, including law and cybersecurity students. Many of them were dressed in their respective uniforms.
That was one thing I particularly admired. The sense of uniformity was evident in their appearance and the general atmosphere.
The Event
The event started early and, from what I gathered, right on schedule.
I asked someone who had been present from the beginning whether the programme had started on time. The person confirmed that it had, without the usual delays often associated with what we jokingly call “African time.”
That’s why we are global for a reason! 😂
By 11 a.m., breakfast was served: pap and moi moi. Trust me, I loved the moi moi! The food was excellent, and I must commend the caterer. The quality deserves a good review, and the caterer deserves to be paid well for the excellent service.
At about 4 p.m., lunch was served, and there was a variety of options. Participants could choose between jollof rice and fried rice with chicken or amala and abula.
As a Yoruba girl, which one do you think I chose? Of course, it was amala and abula! I was served a delicious meal with two pieces of meat.
Beyond the food, the conference itself was a valuable experience. It is always refreshing to attend programmes that broaden one’s knowledge and provide opportunities for intellectual, academic, and personal growth.
I genuinely enjoyed myself. However, the academic content deserves an article of its own, particularly the ideas presented during the sessions on Japan and Africa.
The Experience Opened My Eyes
Attending this conference opened my eyes to new possibilities and reminded me of the importance of exposing oneself to academic and intellectual environments beyond the classroom.
At the event, I also spotted one of my favourite lecturers from my department. I was so excited that I immediately sent him a message: “Professor, I can see you!”🤭
That was how happy I was. 😂
It was a lovely moment, and it reminded me that academic spaces can bring together people, ideas, and experiences in unexpected ways.
The Lion King: From the Classroom to Academic Research
When one of my lecturers taught us a course titled Philosophy, Language and Communication, he asked us to watch The Lion King. We watched the film and carried out a philosophical review of it.
During the conference, I was going through some of the books released at the event when I came across a reference to the same film.
I thought to myself, “Wow! I watched this film for fun, but someone else has referenced it in their academic work!”
I was so excited that I turned to the person sitting beside me and said, “Wow, I love something like this!”
That moment was particularly interesting to me because it showed how a film that we might watch for entertainment can also become a subject of serious academic discussion and analysis.
As a Philosophy student, I found that connection fascinating. It reminded me that knowledge can emerge from different sources and that even familiar stories can offer opportunities for deeper reflection.
Closing Remarks
My journey to Lead City University for the Japanese conference was an experience I will not forget in a hurry. From the sights along the road and the university environment to the food, the people, and the intellectual atmosphere, every part of the experience contributed to the memories I brought home.
Despite the unexpected back-and-forth journey between the conference venue and school, I am glad I attended.
If you have the opportunity to attend the next edition, please do not miss it! You can also join the club as we continue to grow and create more opportunities for learning, networking, and academic engagement.
I am delighted to have had the privilege of becoming a member of the club and attending the conference as a student participant.
Thank you, Daddy, for your support and for making this experience possible. I truly appreciate it.
But my experience at the conference went beyond the journey, the food, and the university environment. The conference offered valuable insights into African cultural identity, Japanese media, and the importance of telling our own stories.
In my next article, I will share the key discussions, major lessons, and academic insights from the conference.
Stay tuned for Part Two!
See you next year! 💃
