The 200-level pharmacology classroom was anything but quiet that afternoon. Though a lecture had just ended, no one seemed in a hurry to leave. Instead, the room buzzed with animated conversations as the class was now filled with students from different levels, the excitement in the air almost tangible. The long wooden desks were filled with students chatting, laughing, and finalizing their plans for the highly anticipated bonfire event happening later that evening.
Kaima sat in the middle row, scrolling through her phone while Chelsea perched on the desk beside her, swinging her legs excitedly. "Babe, I cannot wait for tonight! I hope that DJ they booked actually knows what he's doing," Chelsea said, tossing her braids over her shoulder.
Kaima smirked without looking up. "Chelsea, it's a bonfire, not a club. Relax."
"Who said I can't have both?" Chelsea grinned mischievously. "I need to dance my stress away."
Across the aisle, Tunde, a tall, lanky guy known for his humor, leaned over and chimed in, "Abeg, Chelsea, you that will just snap pictures all night and post motivational captions."
The group around them burst into laughter, while Chelsea rolled her eyes. "Tunde, you don't know me. Watch and learn."
Meanwhile, at the front of the classroom, a few students gathered around Henry, the departmental president, as he ran through last-minute logistics. He held a clipboard and spoke in a firm but relaxed tone. "Daniel, please make sure the firewood is properly stacked before sunset. We don't want a repeat of last year's slow-burning disaster."
Daniel grinned. "No wahala, boss. Everything is set."
Chinwe, the social director, joined in. "And I've confirmed with the caterers—small chops and suya will arrive by 7 PM sharp."
A round of approving murmurs followed. Henry nodded. "Good. Now, we just need to get people there on time. No African time, please."
From the back of the class, Chuma raised his hand sarcastically. "Henry, please, what's the dress code again? Some people are planning to turn this bonfire into a fashion show."
The class erupted in laughter again as Chelsea shouted, "Please and please, everyone should dress to impress! No one wants to see boring outfits."
Kaima shook her head, laughing. "Chelsea, it's an outdoor event. Comfort over fashion."
Chelsea gasped dramatically. "You lack vision, my friend."
A group of first-year students who had sneaked into the class whispered excitedly to each other. One of them, a petite girl named Amara, leaned toward Kaima. "Is it true they'll be games? I heard there's a dance-off?"
Kaima nodded with a smile. "Yes, there will be. And don't worry, it's all for fun."
Amara's eyes widened. "I can't wait! I've never been to something like this before."
Nearby, Jide, a quiet but observant student, added with a smirk, "I just hope people don't start doing weird things once the fire gets big."
Chuma chuckled. "Jide, please, it's a bonfire, not a cult initiation."
Laughter echoed around the room once again, and Henry finally clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, guys, let's wrap up. Remember, 6:30 PM sharp at the Hill side. If you come late, don't blame us if all the good food is gone."
Chelsea nudged Kaima as they stood up to leave. "Babe, you better hurry up after class and get ready. I don't want any last-minute wahala."
Kaima rolled her eyes playfully. "I'll be ready, Chelsea."
As the students began filing out, the excitement in the air was undeniable. The bonfire was just a few hours away, and everyone was looking forward to a night of music, food, and fun.
------
By 6 PM, the hillside near the football stadium was transformed into a dazzling spectacle. The usually quiet and rugged terrain now gleamed under the warm glow of strategically placed string lights, zigzagging across the area, casting a golden hue over the venue. At the entrance, a beautifully decorated archway adorned with twinkling fairy lights and colorful ribbons welcomed students as they arrived in groups, chattering excitedly. The faculty banner, a large white sheet with "Faculty of Pharmacy Bonfire Night – Ignite the Spirit!" boldly printed in red and gold, hung proudly above the entrance, fluttering gently in the evening breeze.
The pathway leading up the hill was lined with paper lanterns in faculty colors—blue, white, and gold—creating a magical trail up to the main event area. The soft crunch of gravel underfoot mixed with the distant sound of music as the DJ tested the speakers, sending upbeat Afrobeat tunes rippling through the air.
At the center of the hillside stood the grand attraction of the night—a massive fiery clay mortar, specially crafted for the event. Its reddish-brown surface glowed as event organizers carefully added more firewood, causing the flames to dance higher, casting flickering shadows across the venue. The heat radiating from it was inviting, drawing groups of students closer as they marveled at its intensity and snapped pictures.
Rows of seats were arranged in a semi-circle around the bonfire, each decorated with fabric sashes in faculty colors. Small side tables held trays of peanuts and chin-chin for guests to nibble on while waiting for the main event to begin. The seating area provided a clear view of the entire setup, with the eastern end of the hill serving as the dedicated service corner.
The service area was bustling with activity. Several long tables were draped in white cloth, showcasing an array of food trays overflowing with spicy suya, well-garnished jollof rice, assorted small chops, and colorful fruit platters featuring watermelon, pineapples, and pawpaw slices. Chilled drinks in tall glass dispensers glistened under the soft lighting—zobo, fruit punch, and soda, all neatly labeled.
Chinwe, the social director, stood in the middle of the service corner, her authoritative voice ringing out above the hum of activity. "Tega, make sure the drinks are refilled constantly! No empty dispensers, please."
Tega, one of the ushers, nodded hastily and scurried off to check the stock.
Chinwe turned to another usher, adjusting her white polo shirt with the faculty logo embroidered on it. "Chisom, arrange those suya platters properly; they need to look appealing. And ensure the fruits stay covered until it's time to serve. We don't want flies around."
Chisom rolled her eyes playfully but complied nonetheless, placing transparent covers over the fruit trays.
Nearby, Henry, the departmental president, made his way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with students as they arrived. He stopped by Chinwe, surveying the setup with a pleased expression. "Nice work, Chinwe. Everything looks top-notch."
Chinwe grinned, wiping her forehead. "Of course, Henry. I don't play when it comes to these things."
As more students began to arrive, the energy of the night picked up. Laughter, music, and the clinking of drinks filled the air.
-----
As the excitement for the bonfire buzzed across campus and students flocked to the hillside venue, Kaima was still standing in front of her open wardrobe, her face twisted in frustration. The sound of Afrobeats music from the nearby hostel blocks filled her room, but her mind was elsewhere. Chelsea, on the other hand, sat comfortably on the bed, fully dressed and looking effortlessly stylish.
"Kaima! It's almost 6:30, and you're still standing there like a mannequin," Chelsea groaned, tossing a pillow at her. "If you don't pick something now, I'll personally put you in one of those oversized tees you like wearing."
Kaima sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Chelsea, I just... I don't know what to wear. I want to look good, but not too extra."
Chelsea rolled her eyes and stood up, marching over to the wardrobe. "Babe, leave this to me. I was born for moments like this." She sifted through the hangers, muttering under her breath. "Too casual... too dull... too churchy..." Then her eyes lit up. "Aha! This!"
She pulled out a stunning floral mini flay gown with delicate pink and white patterns. The dress hugged the waist perfectly, accentuating Kaima's plump yet curvy figure, and flared out just above her knees in a playful, breezy fashion. "This is it, Kaima. It's classy, cute, and shows off your waist like magic."
Kaima hesitated but smiled. "You think?"
"I know," Chelsea replied confidently. "Now sit down and let me do your hair."
Minutes later, Kaima's hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail with a donut bun, adorned with a small flower hair patch that matched the colors of her dress. Her feet were dressed in elegant flowery sandals with ankle ropes that wrapped gracefully around her legs. She completed the look with a mini floral-designed bag, a pair of delicate silver earrings and a matching necklace, and a chic bracelet with a wristwatch.
Kaima twirled in front of the mirror and gasped. "Wow... I actually look good."
Chelsea smirked. "Correction: you look amazing."
Kaima turned to her friend, finally taking in Chelsea's outfit. True to form, Chelsea had opted for something simple yet drop-dead gorgeous. She wore a fitted black off-shoulder top, paired with high-waisted ripped blue jeans that accentuated her hourglass figure. A pair of stylish strappy heels added elegance to her look, and her statement gold hoop earrings and layered necklaces made her stand out effortlessly.
"Chelsea, you look like a whole snack," Kaima teased, grinning.
"I know," Chelsea said with a wink. "And now, so do you. Let's go turn heads."
With a final look in the mirror, Kaima grabbed her bag and smiled. "Let's go."
As they walked out of the room, the excitement for the night fully settled in. Tonight was going to be unforgettable.