Reading time:5 min read

Vox Pop: Freshers Share First Experience of Eid on Campus

“My first Eid as a UI fresher felt special in a new way. It wasn’t my first time praying at the university mosque, but it was my first time doing it as a proper UI student, and that made it more meaningful.

I got to the mosque a bit late, so the place was already filled with people. Finding space was a bit stressful at first, but the energy around me made it worth it. Everyone was dressed nicely, greeting each other with "Eid Mubarak", and the atmosphere felt warm and lively.

I also met a few coursemates, and those small interactions made the day more exciting. After the prayer, there were smiles, handshakes, and pictures everywhere. Even though I’ve been there before, this Eid felt different, it felt like growth and a new chapter in UI.”
— Abdullahi Lawal, Department of Economics


“Honestly, nothing too dramatic to share. It was my first time experiencing the Eid crowd, the way people gather for prayer and the flow of cars, it actually felt nice.

I came a little late, just two minutes before the Imam started praying, and after finishing my prayer, I headed straight back home. I didn’t really get to connect with my coursemates or school friends this time. So, it wasn’t a super memorable Eid, but alhamdulillah, that’s what I have to share.
— Wasiu Jelilat, Department of Estate Management


“My first Eid in school was actually fun. I enjoyed this one well because at least I collected jollof rice. Last year, when I came to pray at the UI mosque as a jambite, I did not get food, maybe they knew I was a visitor then.

At home, my cousins and I would gist and laugh from morning till night, though I slept throughout this Eid because there was nowhere to go after coming back from the mosque. Honestly, Ramadan should not end; now cooking has resumed. May Allah bless the planning committee and all MSSN UI executives.”
— Ibraheem Muqeemat, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development


“This is my first Eid away from home, and it feels different in ways I never imagined. Back home, Eid was never just a day, it was a feeling. The early morning rush, the familiar voices, the aroma of food filling every corner, the laughter, and the warmth, everything felt complete.

Here, things are quieter. The excitement is still there, but it carries a touch of longing. I miss the little things I once took for granted, the shared meals and the effortless joy of being surrounded by family.

But somehow, this is home away from home, all thanks to MSSN. I’m now building something that feels like a family, from my roommates to my coursemates, and the jollof rice from the central mosque was lit.

In this distance, I’m learning something new. Eid is not only about a place; it’s about love, gratitude, and connection. Even though I’m far from home, the memories travel with me. Anyways sha, I miss my mummy. Those kitchen gists.”
— Isa Yesiroh, Department of Economics


“I would say I had one of my best moments because the Eid I usually spend at home is often boring, and sometimes I don’t even get to celebrate it properly.

What I missed most about home is the food, but the central mosque saved me from making my usual ‘concoction rice,’ and I am grateful for that. May the Almighty Allah continue to bless and replenish the pockets of those who feed us and those who take their time to prepare delicious meals for us.

My first Eid away from home actually taught me that I can adapt to a new environment and connect with people I have never met before.”
— Suara Fathia, Department of Linguistics and African Languages


“What I miss most about home is visiting my friends during Eid, talking, eating, and gisting about how life has been, since we hardly see each other.

One surprising thing was realizing that they would share food after prayer, that was my first time witnessing such. Also, UI is very big; one way always leads to another, so I didn’t risk following a different route after prayer because I didn’t want to get lost.”
— Olajide Mistura, Department of Economics


“My first Eid in school feels quite different, calmer but a bit lonely compared to home. I really miss the early morning rush, family gatherings, and especially my mum’s cooking.

At first, I didn’t even know what to cook or how to start, but I later coordinated myself and made something manageable. One surprising moment was how quickly friends became like family during the celebrations. It’s different, but still meaningful in its own way.”
— Taliat Ibrahim, Department of Physics


“This isn’t my first Eid away from home. I went to boarding school and later studied at FCCIB for my ND in Accounting, so it feels normal to me, but I still miss home a bit.”
— Awwal Luqman, Department of Educational Management