3 MONTHS AFTER SO WHAT’S UP? Pt1
Today makes it exactly three months I handed over as the Assistant General Secretary of my faculty’s student association: The Faculty of the Social Sciences Students Association, University of Ibadan. In this post, I’ve recapped my experience servicing in this capacity, even as a 200 level student in the university. So stay with me.
As the AGS, aside carrying out my stipulated duties as enshrined in the association's constitution, I spearheaded 5 major projects (inline with my Acceleration , Growth, and Service (AGS) agenda):
1. THE 2023 FRESHERS' WELCOME CEREMONY; Home Away From Home.
Aimed at welcoming to the faculty the then 100 level students. The Freshers welcome ceremony was a two fold program (an orientation ceremony and sports events) held in one day with about 150 Freshers in attendance.
At the orientation programme were notable dignitaries including the dean of the faculty, Professor Eze Nwokocha, the Subdean Dr. Olaniyan, the faculty officer Chief S. O. Ojelabi, and other principal officers of the faculty. They charged the freshmen on the essence of their being on campus, and how to balance their academics with extracurricular activities. Dr. Fiyin Atinmo (President, UADS (2022/2023) and Chairman, Council Of Faculty Presidents, UI (2022/2023) was also present at this event where he spoke on the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene, and going on to give gifts to the Freshers to encourage them to keep up the practice of what he'd taught. Present also at the event were members of the Faculty House of Representatives, Pressmen, members of the FATSSSA Literary And Debating Society, and concerned stylites.
During this program, we had game sessions with several gifts (airtime, tote bags, shirt, a pack of pizza...) being won by the freshmen, and given out as giveaways. This program set the Freshers on their feet for a defining period on campus.
2. A VALENTINE SPECIAL PROGRAM (in collaboration with the Faculty Students Help Centre (SHC): LET LOVE BLOSSOM.
During my campaign, one of my plans was to work effectively with the executive council in building a bridge between the students of the faculty and the SHC. We (talking about the myself and the executive council) couldn't absolutely achieve this due to the Help Center already established system of operation, however we were able to broker a collaboration in organising a special valentine program for the students.
'Let Love Blossom' was a success, recording about 200 students in attendance despite the extremely short period and stringent circumstance under which we had to plan, publicise, and execute the event of which I was the front man. Thanks to Dr. Akinyemi (the SHC head), the event was graced with the presence of Dr. Eze (the dean of the faculty), Professor Simisola Akintola (Dean, Faculty of Law), Dr. Femi Olaniyan (Subdean undergraduate), Dr. Busari (Subdean, PG), Professor. Irene Pogoson (HOD, Political Science department), Prof Àjàyí (HOD, Geography department), Professor Funkẹ Fayehun (HOD, Sociology department), Professor David Okurahme (HOD, Psychology department) and other principal officers.
Students were addressed on issues about modest dressing and proper conducts in the society (by Professor Simisola Akintola), Stress management and substance abuse (by Dr. Opeyemi Fashanu), Financial literacy (by Dr. A.O. Adeniyi), and it was concluded with a panel session that gave answers to burning questions on self love, students-teachers relationship, sexuality, stigmatisation, romantic relationships, body shaming and sexual harassments. On the panel among others were Professor. Jegede, Ekene Nnwanko, Tawakalitu, Dr. Abel.
3. THE PRE- FATSSSAITES DAY OF SERVICE (FDOS) TOILET WASHING EXERCISE.
I initiated and spearheaded the planning and execution of a Toilet Washing Exercise that had about 15 students volunteering to wash the toilets in the faculty, This was a preparation and pilot test event for the main FDOS exercise that happened later in the session during the faculty week.
4. BREAST CANCER AND MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM (FATSSSA Week 24: Day 1: HEALTH DAY).
I and the Zainab Zakariyyah (the PRO) were placed together on this program by the President. And with it being the first event of the faculty week, we were charged to see to its success, and we delivered.
With averagely 200 students in attendance, we had Dr. Aderonke Ajav (matron Jaja Health Centre, UI), Dr. Stephen Lafenwa, and Dr. Fashanu, who spoke on the topics: Jaja & You, Time Management, and Dealing with mental stress respectively. We also had, through the influence and support of Professor Irene Pogoson, 3 representatives from Breast Cancer Awareness Nigeria (BRECAN) come enlighten us on Breast and prostrate cancer and the ways to prevent and deal with it.
A big shout-out to Professor Irene Pogoson for totally sponsoring the refreshments shared during this program. Such huge cost would have tanked our not already sufficient budget for the week.
Again get the full gist here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i3-6778HZm-yDvzrY-tRonjZ8inht003
5. FATSSSAITES DAY OF SERVICE (FDOS) 2024
Coined after Leap Africa's Youth Days Of Service (YDOS), FDOS was a one day sanitation exercise where students of the faculty came together to clean the classes and the faculty environment for the sole purpose of giving back to the our community (+faculty) and offering assistance to the cleaners of the faculty. This concept was a build up on the previous AGS, Mr. Akinwale Lawrence, Sanitation Day idea.
FDOS happened on the last day of the faculty week with about 15 students volunteers. In pairs, we cleaned 5 lecture rooms (including the small and large lecture theaters) in the faculty, and also the surroundings which goes to show how with determination and singleness of mind, great impact can be made with a little number of people.
Additionally, in demonstrating my communication and writing prowess, I wrote (in the most relaxative and relatable manner) a monthly newsletters (report) that was published through the office of the PRO to the general populace of the faculty. These newsletters served to keep FATSSSAITES abreast of the work and plans of the executive council and also the general happenings in the faculty. During my tenure, a total of 5 newsletters were published.
I experienced great success with every event I headed as the AGS, however it wasn't easy. From initial ideation stage to executive team deliberations, to building a team, to getting fundings and sponsorships, to execution, and finally, post event accountability. Having to balance these with my academics and other responsibilities, again, wasn't easy.
However, this is where the greater lessons lie. Through these experiences, I learned and developed my programmes planning and project management skills, communication skills, team building skills, risk management skills, and also my leadership skills. I learned the art and act of making collaboration and partnership. I learned the art of negotiations, and ways of seeking and securing sponsorships. I learnt proper human relation and adminstration skills, and firsthand, how the corporate world works. None of these came easy but looking back, I'm glad I went through such pressures. They've helped me become better than I was in these capacities and skills before taking on this responsibility
I express my sincere gratitude to the students of FATSSSA who trusted me enough to be their AGS by voting for me then. To my executive members Dasaolu Olumide, Owonifaari Toluwaleke, Popoola Gloria, Olabode Thomas, Princess Amofuesi, Zainab Zakariyyah, Taiwo Oladipupo, and Dominion Ashcroft. In all honesty, you are the best set of people to do leadership and service with. A big shout-out to Dasaolu Olumide. Thank you for making the work so easy. And to Gloria Popoola, thank you for 'gensecing' well. You're the best of the bests.
To my course mates (UI-SOC set of 2026) and the entire Sociology department, thank you for your supports. To everyone who in one way or the other supported and sponsored the vision when I called, thank you.
To my friends and family. You are the best. Thank you for everything from the time I had the vision to serve. Your prayers, support, counsel, helps, suggestions...everything! Thank you.
It was a great academic year serving as the 61st AGS of this great association. I believe and know that it can only get better from here. Yes it can.
Cheers to more.
• Boluwatife O. ANIMASHAUN
FATSSSA, Assistant General Secretary. (2022/2023)
