Skip to main content

Gen Z vs Millennials on Campus: Do You Even Know Your Generation?

By Amuchi Racheal

Walk through Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and you’ll see a mix of people, fashion styles, and attitudes. But there’s more going on than just that. Beneath the surface, a quiet generational divide shapes how we experience campus life: Gen Z vs. Millennials.

So, the question is: Do you even know which generation you belong to? Let’s break it down.

Who’s Who?

  • Millennials (born between 1981–1996) are mostly postgraduates or final-year students at OAU. Some are assistant lecturers or graduate assistants, while others are still working on getting that second degree.

  • Gen Z (born between 1997–2012) is the generation taking over campus right now. From Part 1 freshers to Part 5 students, Gen Z dominates OAU’s academic and social scenes.

Millennials and Gen Z are two different generations, each shaped by the world they grew up in. So, where do you stand?

TechVibes on Campus

Millennials remember the days when cybercafés in SUB were the only place to type assignments and check results. Gen Z? They live in a world of fast Wi-Fi in hostels, online classrooms, and apps like Google Classroom for assignments.

Even how they communicate is different. While Millennials might send formal emails, Gen Z is more into DMs, WhatsApp groups, Telegram, and even TikTok.

Social Life: Old School vs. New Cool

Millennials enjoyed events like MTN Pulse Party and Face of OAU with BBM pins and Nokia torchlight phones. Gen Z throws wild hall raves, takes selfies in front of hostel mirrors, and shares everything on Snapchat.

While Millennials dress for comfort, Gen Z dresses for the ‘gram and TikTok.

Mental Health & Identity

Back in the day, mental health wasn’t much of a topic on campus. Millennials often just “toughed it out.” But Gen Z? They’re open about it. They talk about therapy, anxiety, and setting boundaries. Gen Z knows how to say “I’m not available” without feeling bad.

OAU’s Gen Z students are vocal. Whether it’s through poetry slams, protest placards, or social media, they call out negativity and bad vibes.

Classroom Dynamics

Millennials were taught to respect lecturers, even when they were unfair. Gen Z? They won’t hesitate to respectfully challenge a lecturer if something’s wrong. Whether it’s a student feedback form or a departmental protest, Gen Z is bold and not afraid to speak up.

And if you look around a Gen Z student in class, they’re probably multitasking—taking notes, tweeting, and editing a YouTube video, all at the same time.

The Hustle Spirit

Millennials were the first to start blogging, applying for scholarships, and working at cybercafés or tutorial centers.

Gen Z, on the other hand, runs businesses from their hostels. They sell clothes, chocolate, food, perfumes, and even offer services like content creation or tech support. Some are even TikTok influencers, all while aiming for that first-class GPA.

So, Do You Know Your Generation?

Here’s a quick test:

  • If you remember BBM and used to type assignments at a cyber café, you’re probably a Millennial.

  • If your first phone was an iPhone and you’ve said “Omg I’m so drained” recently, you’re Gen Z.

But beyond these labels, both generations bring something important to OAU. Millennials offer wisdom, resilience, and experience. Gen Z brings energy, creativity, and bold ideas.

Together, they make OAU a dynamic place where tradition meets innovation. The beauty is that every generation has something to teach the other.

So next time you’re at SUB, the Amphitheatre, or chilling at ETF lawn, look around. The generational mix is real. Now that you know where you belong... own it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Not Worth the Dues? NAPAS Students Decry Package Quality

By Public Voice News Agency What began as a long-anticipated disbursement quickly unraveled into a wave of discontent on Tuesday, May 6th, as members of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), Obafemi Awolowo University, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the quality and value of their long-awaited departmental packages. The delay in distribution had already raised eyebrows, with students, especially freshers ,  growing restless after months of waiting. Expectations were high. But when the Financial Secretary, through the Public Relations Officer (PRO), invited students to the Departmental President’s office for collection, the excitement fizzled into frustration. Present at the collection point were the Financial Secretary, the PRO, and the General Secretary. For stalites , the package consisted of just one item: a department-branded crest. “It’s not just about getting something it’s about getting something useful,” said Oluwatobiloba, a Part 3 student...
4 comments
Read more

“Indefinite Suspension.” “Impeached.” “Removed.” — Yesterday’s Sitting Was No Joke!

By Public Voice News Agency The NAPAS parliamentary chamber roared back into activity on what should have been a quiet afternoon, as the legislative arm of the association met for what turned out to be a gripping session of debates, decisions, and disciplinary actions. The sitting, scheduled for 3:00 PM, officially began at 3:54 PM with an opening prayer led by the PLO, followed by a solemn rendition of the Great Ife Anthem. The reading of the last sitting’s minutes by the Clerk of the House marked the formal opening. The motion for adoption was moved by Hon. Kanmi and seconded by the Speaker, setting the stage for what would become a drama-filled sitting. Audit Committee Under Fire An early flashpoint emerged when only three out of eight members of the Audit Committee were present—a quorum failure that drew immediate concern. Tension heightened when Napasite Segun, raised a constitutional question: Why was the Acting Editor-in-Chief of Public Voice serving on the committee at al...
Post a Comment
Read more

PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK: DEBATING, DETERMINATION, AND A FRESHMAN’S BOLD FIRST STEPS

By : Public voice news agency This week’s Personality of the Week shines the spotlight on a freshman whose courage, curiosity, and determination are already making waves within the department. Meet Junaid Habeebat Kehinde, a Part One student of the Department of Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Jovial by nature and sincere in her dealings with people, Junaid represents the kind of freshness and enthusiasm that defines the true spirit of a new beginning. Interestingly, Junaid revealed that she had little knowledge of public administration before gaining admission into the university. However, since resumption, her perception has changed significantly. She describes the course as interesting and engaging, noting that she has grown to genuinely enjoy studying it.  Before coming into the university, Junaid already had an interest in debating and public speaking. That interest, combined with her passion, curiosity, and love for challenging herself, pushed her...
2 comments
Read more