A Nigerian lady who stayed in a public hostel after gaining admission into the University of Ibadan has shared her experience, revealing how it changed her outlook on life and money.
Public Hostel Life at UI
Kabirat Ojo, a student at the University of Ibadan, took to LinkedIn to recount her time living in a public hostel. She explained that while she initially longed for a private hostel, her experience taught her valuable lessons about community and perspective.
In her post, Ojo wrote: "We live in a world where money often feels like the ultimate solution. We dream about big houses, luxury cars, the latest phones, and honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. But somewhere along the way, we start to believe that money can give us everything we want."
She continued: "I used to think that way too. When I gained admission into the University of Ibadan, I stayed in a public hostel. Life there was both chaotic and beautiful. I shared a room with five other roommates, and while it came with its challenges, it also gave me a strong sense of community."
Despite the positive aspects, Ojo admitted she still craved what she perceived as a better option: private hostels. "They looked more comfortable, more exclusive, and more ideal. I convinced myself that if I had the money, that was the life I truly wanted," she said.
A Conversation That Changed Everything
Ojo's perspective shifted after a conversation with a friend, Fatihah Quadri Eniola. They discussed the private hostel life Ojo had admired, and that talk opened her eyes. "I realized I had only been looking at one side of the story, the money side. I never paused to ask questions like: What is life really like there? What are the hidden challenges? Is it truly better, or just different?"
She concluded: "This is what I've learned: Money is important, but it is not everything. The right people and a strong sense of community can mean even more. Having money should not take away kindness and generosity. Every phase of life comes with its own challenges. No situation is perfect."
Ojo emphasized that a single meaningful conversation can change one's perspective. "We don't always need more. Sometimes, we just need to see differently," she added.
In a related story, the best graduating student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan when he tried to secure admission to study medicine and surgery.
