It has been a week since the unprecedented JCIN UI week, and murmurs can still be heard about this novel week. Popular words on the street tell the tale of how much fun was had, but truly, was the week a hit or not?
There were lots of events lined up, starting with the startup conversation and ending with the grand finale, the Chroma picnic. Honestly, for me, I loved the versatility of the events and how each had a clear focus. Entrepreneurship, upskilling, mental health and wellness, and finally, “parte after parte”. We decided to delve into the minds of some individuals to see what they thought about the week, and because we are nice people, we also compiled them for you, so let’s go!
Starting with 001 of JCIN UI, pioneer president for JCIN UI week, and a law student. What did he have to say?
The picnic was top-notch for me, and that’s my honest remark. I didn’t have 100% expectations of what I experienced. I mean, the JCIN UI week was the first of its kind, and that makes it somewhat challenging for the stakeholders to plan. But I’m glad that we could pull off that kind of success in the end. I had a lot of fun at the picnic and particularly enjoyed the competition between the families, their colours, and the gifts they brought. I also enjoyed the food and the people I got to network with. A great job well done to the directors of Social and Welfare and other stakeholders. Actually, the Idowu-Emmanuel-led planning committee deserves a lot of praise.
As for the challenges faced, I would say it was the low turnout for the activities in the week compared to the picnic. We weren’t expecting all our members to be present at each event, but if it were only about the number of people who later came out for the picnic that was at each of the other programmes, then we would have been more than fulfilled. Jaycees need to be more deliberate!
The picnic was the highlight of JCIN UI Week. The week itself is a novelty, and the idea of the picnic is to round off the week with something that would lighten the atmosphere and make members of the organisation have a great time ahead of the upcoming exams.
Overall, I’m grateful that we were able to successfully organise the first JCI Week. I love the fact that we utilised our own talents for activities such as the Mental Health Session and the Digital Skills Drive.
I must say that we had really amazing and creative people on the planning committee who deserve flowers. And yes, I’m looking forward to the next edition of JCIN UI Week, which I believe would be an improvement on the one we just experienced. The way they say it, even the greatest show in the world leaves room for improvement.
From the EVP male, a 400-level student of the faculty of public health who was also the head of the planning committee, what did he have to say?
The picnic for me was super interesting. I particularly enjoyed the treats served, the food competition, and the memories shared. A big thumbs up to the social directors. However, I must admit that the week didn’t fully measure up to the vision in my head because we had massive plans that were not actualised. A lot of challenges impeded us, but top of the list will be the late detection of the unavailability of some stakeholders involved. By stakeholders, I mean both those involved in planning the week and the guests invited to facilitate some parts of the week.
In all, from the discussions on the future of work to the final chroma-picnic, the week was enlightening, interesting, and impactful. Despite the current academically intense period on campus, Jaycees and the guests turned out well. While I would have said the startup conversation was the highlight event for me, I struggled with my network during the event, so I’d say the picnic was the week’s highlight for me.
I am absolutely looking forward to the next edition of the week.
You know the line in the protocol: jaycees, IJCs, friends, guests, and observers in our midst. Well, for the week, we had observers and would be hearing from them next. How was the week for them?
Kenny, a 300-level student of the Department of Forest Production and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, says:
The picnic for me was the highlight of the week, and I especially enjoyed the food. The lineup of events for the week pleasantly exceeded my expectations. So much so that it makes me look forward to joining the JCIN UI family. And yes, I am looking forward to the next edition of the week.
Next, we have Amaka Nwabeke, fondly called Amakason, a 300-level student of the Faculty of Arts.
The picnic for me was awesome. I had the opportunity to meet many amazing people, and I particularly enjoyed the games. Quite frankly, the events of the week have been beautiful and enlightening, pleasantly surpassing my expectations.
I am totally looking forward to the next edition of JCINUI Week. I had fun in this edition, so I know more fun awaits in the next one.
Then, we have a Jaycee on the planning committee who knows just how much work went into the planning of this picnic. Was it up to her expectations, a success in her opinion, or not? Let’s hear it!
Oladokun Busola Fathia, a 400-level library archival and information studies (LARIS) department, says:
For me, the picnic was really fun. I enjoyed myself, participated in games, made new friends, and there was a lot to eat and drink. For an introvert, I’m shocked at how comfortable I was getting involved in networking and participating.😂
I was never in doubt about my expectations not being met. After all, it is JCI. As a colour-themed picnic, the aim of the picnic was achieved. Everyone represented their family well, or, let me say, they understood the assignment. From the directors and committee members to the host and everyone who attended, it was a success.
As a member of the Directorate of Socials and Welfare that organised the picnic, I was aware of the amount of work that went into this and was sure it was going to be fun.
For other events in the week, I wasn’t able to fully participate due to classes, meetings with my project supervisor, and other academic commitments. I really would have loved to attend the yoga session but school said no. However, the picnic was a great way for me to put the academic stress behind me and have fun, making it the highlight for me.
For the next edition, who knows? I might attend as an alumna, seeing as I am a finalist.
Let’s open the floor for Jaycees, whom these events were organised for. What did they think about the events?
Abdulfatai Zaynab Bisola, a 300-level student of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, says:
From where I stand, the JCIN UI week was a huge success, and the picnic was amazing. I had so much fun, just as I expected to. And I definitely look forward to the next edition.
Also from the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Oluwatomiwa Ayodele has an opinion.
I would say the picnic was really fun, and kudos to the directors, who did amazingly well putting this together. Every program for the week was a hit, but I particularly enjoyed the picnic because I got to unwind and also connect with people. I definitely can’t wait for the next edition of the week.
Amuda Mariam, a 300level student of the Faculty of Science and a proud member of the Taiwo Ande family, says:
The highlight of the week for me was the startup conversation. Though I couldn’t participate in every program, I really enjoyed the ones I participated in, and I am definitely looking forward to the next edition.
Another Jaycee from the faculty of renewable natural resources, Funmilayo Etumudon, says:
The picnic was the only event I was able to participate in due to class and other academic engagements, so it was definitely the highlight for me. Though I expected more in terms of turnout and participation, it was interesting and refreshing.
I definitely would look forward to the next edition, but I would prefer if it’s towards the end of the semester, let’s say after exams, so Jaycees can participate more.
Also from the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Aderinto Comfort 300 level shares her opinion:
The picnic was fun, and the games were really interesting. Though it wasn’t up to my expectations, it was really close. In my opinion, the publicity was low, and I expected there to be a greater turnout.
The picnic being the only event of the week I attended was the highlight for me, and I am really looking forward to the next edition of the week. Preferably after exams or the second semester for greater participation.
And lastly, from Temiloluwa Christianah Owoye, a 300L student in the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, we have:
Going to the picnic, I had no expectations. I just looked forward to moving with the flow. However, the picnic turned out to be an amazing experience for me and an outlet to unwind, as well as meet up with other members of the organisation.
The virtual nature of the week impeded my participation, but the week was good, and a highlight was the picnic.
I absolutely look forward to the next edition.
Well, Jaycees, we have presented opinions from across the board of directors to Jaycees, IJCs, friends, guests, and observers in our midst. It is now up to you to decide. Was the quintessential week a hit or not? What stood out for you the most? And if you were given the opportunity to plan the next JCIN UI week, what would you change? Let us know in the comments section.
Kudos to the team and every other personnel who saw to the success of the programs.
Thank you!