Reliving the Classic CMUL experience
By Ejemeare Eigbe
Like every living organism, our community at CMUL is constantly evolving. Now, in my fifth year, the CMUL I met as a fresh 200-level student is definitely not the same vibrant space we inhabit today. These days, I find myself relating to the motivational speakers they invite for fresher's events, reminiscing with statements like "I remember when..." or "In those days, we used to..." or even "These days, you guys have it so easy. During my time..."
The recently completed COMPSSA week left us all basking in the afterglow of an amazing time. The fun was so incredible; it's hard to imagine what life was like before having the time of our lives became the norm at CMUL. Believe it or not, this place wasn't always shrouded in darkness. And to be honest, it wasn't half as gloomy as you might have thought.
In the spirit of reminiscing, let me take you on a nostalgic journey and share a list of things that only the OGs will remember. This isn't to diminish the fantastic efforts of the current executive body and house of lords. I'd like to shine a light on what campus life was like before Compssaverse, treasure hunts, pitchathons, and electrofests graced our calendars. Back then, there was something else that kept our spirits alive.
A different kind of magic lingered in those bygone days. It may not have been as grandiose as today's spectacles, but it held its own unique charm. So, let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the amusing antics, quirky traditions, and good-natured chaos that made the old CMUL so endearingly memorable.
Foodizo
As a physiotherapy student myself, I cannot start this list in good conscience any other way. Foodizo was a food and drink fair organized by the physiotherapy department as part of its health week. It was usually held on the old lawn tennis court (not the current one on the multipurpose court, by the way) with music and so many creative and delicious food and snacks. The event was a foodie’s paradise graced by established brands like Coldstone and Domino's, and student brands like DeliciouslyTobe (where I got the best burger ever) and Triple Os with their legendary puff puffs. There was a time in 2019 when it was sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, and as a naive 200L student, I drank three cans and didn't sleep for days.
The Old Lawn Tennis Court
Ah, the old lawn tennis court where it all went down. It was the venue for some of the most legendary parties, perfect for both daytime and nighttime festivities. From induction steeplechase to YBC hangouts, concerts, awareness night parties, and food and trade fairs, the tennis court walked so the block 1 car park could run. I cannot be the only one who secretly shed a tear when they demolished that court.
Radiography hostel
Hmm, Radiography hostel–the bane of my existence back then. The kitchen was so tiny that only 2 or 3 people could be inside at the same time. There was one hotplate that, once plugged in, made every surface in the kitchen shock you. The toilets were always messed up, the bathrooms were basically a hall, the light was never stable, and water was never constant. What slammed the nail in the coffin for me was that the hostel closed at 11 pm and opened again at 6 am, meaning no overnight parties for us. The joy in my heart when I was able to get block one the next session was unparalleled. Many 200-level girls don't know what God has saved them from.
Power Plant
Remember when we were on power plant, and we had a set time for light in the hostel from 4/5 pm to 9 am the next morning and light in college from 8/9 am to 4 pm? The whole time we were on power plant, there was no need for power banks, and there was rarely ever any need to fetch water. I sure as hell never studied with torchlight the night before exams. Coming from the Radiography hostel, I looked forward to that stable power supply.
Rad X
And who could forget Rad X or Rad Fest – a celebration of the arts that happened at the New Great Hall? It featured art in all its forms: paintings, pictures, music, sculptures, and good food. When the exhibition was over, it turned into a concert of some sort, where artists like Buju, Ric Hassani, and even JoeBoy performed. This was before these artists were the household names they are today, but it's lovely to know that CMUL used to be a hub of both art and culture; plus, we collectively have great taste in music to see the potential in those artists. I'm pretty sure the after-party was great, too, but the curfew set by the radiography hostel held me hostage.
Do you remember when there were ACs in the porters' lodge, and they actually worked, and there was a big TV there? Or when guys were allowed to enter OPH hostel? Or is it early morning Saturday football on the basketball court?
Before the days of Bokku bread, we had old country bread. I wouldn't go far as to say the bread was the best, but it was definitely good. A 200 naira old country bread plus a bottle of Coke was the perfect mid-afternoon snack.
The list of what used to be is inexhaustible. You can always comment on the other things you think I must have missed, but it's crazy to think how much has changed in the seven years I've spent in this place. There are, however, some things that have never changed, and that is the undying commitment of COMPSSAITES to make the best of every situation that comes our way.
So, whether you remember the days of old country bread and chilling at the porters' lodge or are a JJC1 to our vibrant community, you are an OG2–a part of this beautiful, ever-evolving legacy. It is through our collective efforts and cherished memories that we have transformed COMPSSA into the true paradise it is today; a place where the good old times meet the exciting new, creating a harmonious experience of the time of our lives.
Johnny Just Come
Original Gangsters