By Wale Okediran
“Save water, drink beer” was the witty poster that welcomed me to the Senior Staff Club of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, that rainy afternoon.
Despite my long absence from the club, I was surprised when I heard my name called from a circle of patrons comfortably ensconced in a corner of the cavernous clubhouse. Before I knew it, I was in the warm embrace of my old friend, Prof. Duro Adeleke.
Also read: Matthew Simpa Sings For The Lord: As Unwavering Faith Leads Into Rivers Of Transformation
After a hearty exchange of greetings, and without asking about my mission to the club, the retired Professor of Linguistics and African Languages, as well as a former President of the Club, quickly asked one of the waiters to take my order.
Before long, a steaming bowl of goat meat pepper soup and a chilled bottle of my favourite drink were placed before me. However, the waiter, obviously unimpressed with my “favourite drink,” which was non-alcoholic, said: “Our bar is also well stocked with a variety of choice wines and whiskies.” I thanked him and set to work on the task before me.
Moments later, I was joined at my table by another friend, Niji Akanni, film director and member of the Ibadan Film Circle, the organisation that had invited me to Ibadan for the screening and discussion of the film adaptation of my book, Tenants of the House.
Niji also received his own bowl of pepper soup alongside his favourite drink, which obviously aligned very well with the waiter’s expectations.
More and more of my old friends continued to emerge from different alcoves of the club’s belly. Familiar faces, mostly hidden behind manes of white beards, stepped out of the mist of the club’s smoky interior like ghosts in a Shakespearean play as we hugged each other.
Expectedly, the questions were unending: “How is Ghana?”, “Do you still practise medicine?”, “Do you still play tennis?”, “When do we expect your next book?”, “When are you coming back home?”
The arrival of 89-year-old Professor Mark Nwagwu, professor of cell and molecular biology, was marked with great fanfare. He was clearly the club’s new star boy. The reason was obvious.
The elderly but young-at-heart writer and retired scholar had recently returned to school to bag another PhD degree, this time in Culture and Media Studies.
Everybody looked well fed and in a happy mood as jokes and banter flew around the club premises in a special lingo understood only by club regulars. “You forget your sorrows once you enter the club,” one bearded regular said.
Regarding their special style of communication, my friend laughed and added: “We also speak in tongues when the spirit moves us.”
Established in 1958 for recreation and relaxation, the Senior Staff Club of the University of Ibadan, like many university staff clubs, has contributed enormously to the university’s roles of teaching, learning, discovery, and cultural enrichment, while promoting closer ties among members of the university community through social activities, engagements, and networking.
My relationship with the club dates back to the 1980s when I joined its tennis section. My twice-weekly tennis games were a good interlude to my then hectic schedule as a private medical practitioner in the city.
Being a doctor also increased my circle of friends, as some club members occasionally consulted me for medical advice and treatment.
Despite my foray into politics with a seat in the National Assembly in Abuja for a few years, I continued to make periodic appearances at the club.
Although some members were averse to partisan politics, I was invited on several occasions to deliver lectures on my activities as a parliamentarian.
On those occasions, I always made sure to spice my intellectual lectures with unfiltered but witty encounters from politics and politicians, much to the delight of my audience.
As I moved around exchanging pleasantries during my recent visit, it was clear that not much had changed in the club.
The large swimming pool with its poolside bar was still active, alongside different bars, meeting rooms, the lawn tennis court, lounge, and spacious car park for visitors.
Even though some of the patrons were younger and unknown to me, they still welcomed me with the same camaraderie found among people of shared profession and interests.
Different types of drinks, food, and fish or meat pepper soup were still flowing despite rumours of economic downturn in the country.
When I pointed out this seeming contradiction to a friend, his response was that everything in the club was sold at reasonable prices.
“For example, our beer is the cheapest in the whole of Ibadan,” he added as he poured himself another glass of his favourite drink.
It has been widely acknowledged that staff clubs play a vital role in the development of universities by enhancing staff well-being, fostering relaxation, and improving productivity.
Another friend was emphatic that the club was a good place for networking. As he put it: “All the good things of life which I have garnered on this campus came through the staff club.”
It is also on record that, in addition to relaxation, a lot of intellectual discourse as well as local university politics, appointments, and promotions take place within the precincts of the club. In addition, members enjoy a variety of social events, including family nights, occasional movies, dancing, and children’s activities such as Father Christmas shows.
Studies also confirm that well-managed staff clubs contribute to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates among university employees.
Additionally, staff clubs often serve as venues for cultural events, team-building exercises, and academic discussions, further enriching the professional lives of university staff.
Unfortunately, regular maintenance of staff club facilities remains a major challenge for many universities, as can be seen in the case of the University of Ibadan Staff Club.
Although the 68-year-old facility was recently renovated, the clubhouse would still benefit from further upgrades in line with the institution’s status as the flagship of Nigerian universities.
Despite being a supportive and engaging environment for staff, some universities have refused to establish staff clubs on their campuses. Factors such as safety concerns for students and staff—where clubs could be seen as potential flashpoints for conflict—are often cited.
In addition, some universities see staff clubs as potential pressure groups against university authorities, while others simply lack adequate facilities for their establishment.
It is always difficult to tear oneself away from a friendly and happy community. So it was that auspicious day at the University of Ibadan Staff Club.
Also read: Matthew Simpa Sings For The Lord: As Unwavering Faith Leads Into Rivers Of Transformation
As I later took my leave, I passed the recently refurbished floodlit tennis court, which many years ago used to be my second home. Watching nimble-footed and energetic players slug it out on the court brought back beautiful memories of my days as a tennis player.
