By Habeeb Olokooba
It was the early hours of my matriculation day. The sun had risen, but the morning was concurrently breezy and serene_a typical condition of weather in the Seat of Caliphate.
As early as 7:30 am, I was already decked up in one of my best outfits matching it with my expensive ‘All Star’ sneaker. Indeed, I tagged myself as ‘Idan’ after looking at the mirror.
I set out for the convocation theater where the matriculation ceremony was to be conducted. In order to escape the siren of ‘Jambito’ blowing in every corner of the campus, I avoided wearing my matriculation gown.
There were no bikes available at that moment, so I had to trek from Gidan Yaro, where my hostel is situated, down to Jubril Aminu hostel which took me about twenty minutes.
When I reached the gate of Jubril Aminu hostel, I stumbled on a bunch of students, drumming, singing and as well chanting words like “Jambito, Jambito must dance_” a phrase which I later understand to be a regular culture of returning students to chant freshers to dance on matriculation days.
Haven envisioned what was coming, I tried to compose myself so well so as to conceal the jambito traits in me. I was almost successful but one senior of mine from the faculty of law grabbed me by my trousers and started chanting “Bilal!! You be Jambito, where are you running to.”
Before I could get free from his grip, I realized I was up already. His crew already started throwing me up. I was enveloped in shame. Even though it is a shame of joy.
They all were chanting my name and urging me to dance. Forcibly, they were able to get a few legworks I learned back in my secondary school days.
Although, it read on their faces that they were all having fun. But their humor left me in shame. I wasn’t feeling the confidence I was feeling earlier that morning.
Well, I was finally freed and the matriculation ceremony went well. However I couldn’t get the thought of being embarrassed off my mind that day. For a very long time, the event registered in my head. Though I still remember the event in the present day, it only brings a smile to my face.
Now a 200-level student, Ahmad Bilal Bichi had many humorous experiences as a jambito.
Share your jambito story with Habeeb Olokooba
Phone number: 08083542618
Mail: olokoobahabeeb@gmail.com