Planning a major campus festival in Nigeria isn’t beans. From convincing sponsors to dealing with power supply wahala, it takes proper strategy, strong teamwork, and plenty of hustle. 

Here’s how we pulled off a festival that brought together over 3,000 students from different schools and what we learned along the way.

1. Get a Solid Team (No Time for Jokers)

We started by assembling a reliable team. Everyone had a clear role: marketing, logistics, ticketing, security, and social media. Trust us, in Naija, your team will make or break the event. Avoid "vibes people you need doers, not just hype.

2. Choose the Right Venue

We picked a central location on campus that was easy to access, with enough space and proper security. For a Nigerian campus event, think open fields, sport complexes, or auditoriums that can hold a crowd. Bonus if it’s close to hostels!

3. Work the Budget Like a Pro

Sponsorship wasn’t easy, but we pushed hard emailing brands, meeting reps, and sharing our event deck. We also got creative: vendor fees, early bird tickets, and even alumni donations helped. Remember, in Nigeria, budget overruns are common, so always plan for extra costs (e.g. diesel!).

4. Hype is Everything

We used WhatsApp broadcasts, Twitter trends, Instagram reels, and posters to create massive awareness. Campus ambassadors were also key, they hyped it in class, during hostel gist time, and on group chats. Don’t underestimate mouth-to-mouth promo on Nigerian campuses!

5. Secure the Right Acts

We booked a mix of local talents, DJs, and influencers. Nigerian students want vibes comedy, music, games, and maybe surprise celebrity appearances. We also ensured there was something for everyone: food stalls, photo booths, dance-offs, and even a karaoke stage.

6. Prepare for Wahala

Power outage? We had generators. Crowd control? We got security volunteers and bouncers. Rain? We rented tents. Nigerian events come with last-minute surprises, so our team had a Plan B (and even Plan C).

7. Execution Day = All Hands on Deck

On event day, every team member had a walkie-talkie or was in a WhatsApp command group. From entry point checks to stage management and first aid, we covered it all. We stayed organized and made sure everyone knew what to do and when.

Conclusion 

Pulling off a 3,000-person campus festival in Nigeria isn’t for the faint-hearted. But with the right planning, grit, and a solid squad, you can make magic happen. Our biggest win? Seeing students vibe, network, and have fun in a well-organized space that felt like their own Coachella (Naija style).