Beyond the Smile, a mental health programme organised by the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association (UIMSA) in collaboration with the ASIDO Campus Network, University of Ibadan, began about 93 minutes behind schedule on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Physiotherapy Lecture Theatre, University of Ibadan. The programme, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., had fewer than 15 attendees at its commencement, with only one of the association’s ten executive officers reportedly present.
The programme, themed around mental health, featured a first-aid training session, mental health sensitisation and a panel discussion on the challenges medical students face in maintaining their well-being. It was anchored by Kobichimha Ozigbo of the 2K29 class and Emmanuel Adebiyi of the 2K26 class.
The first-aid training session, facilitated by a representative of the Red Cross Society, Trainer Makinde, lasted about 30 to 40 minutes. It covered basic life support and emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults and infants.
The panel discussion featured Mrs Eunice Umoren, a psychologist and mental health professional, and Akinjare David Ayomide, President of the ASIDO Campus Network, University of Ibadan, and a 600-level medical student. Although three panelists were listed on the event flyer, only two participated in the discussion.
The discussion addressed the mental health challenges associated with medical training, including academic pressure, accommodation difficulties, the glorification of struggle in medical school and the effects of hostile learning environments. The panelists also discussed the demands of the medical curriculum and the experiences of students who face difficulties answering questions or meeting expectations during clinical postings. Audience members also shared their experiences, contributing to discussions about coping with medical school and the need for a more supportive learning environment.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to the panelists by the Special Duties Officer Preclinicals, Moses Dabor, at about 2:45 pm.
Despite its focus on medical students’ mental health and well-being, the programme recorded a low turnout, with fewer than 25 attendees present from both the clinical and Pre-Clinical arms. Attendance among UIMSA executives was similarly low, with only Moses Dabor reportedly present out of the association’s ten executives. The other nine executives, including the President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Sports Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and Special Duties Officer for Clinicals, were reportedly absent.
The limited executive presence was notable given that the programme was organised by the association in collaboration with ASIDO and addressed challenges affecting medical students.The low turnout also reportedly affected the participation of invited speakers. Dr Alero Adegbolagun, a psychiatrist and Principal Medical Officer at the University Health Service, University of Ibadan, who was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, and Dr Oghogho Akachuku, a Family Medicine Resident Doctor at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, who was listed as a panelist, reportedly left before the programme began. Information gathered at the event attributed their departure to prior engagements and the low turnout of UIMSA members, including the association’s executives. Their departure meant that the programme proceeded without the scheduled keynote address and the full panel initially planned.
In a bid to establish the circumstances surrounding the executives’ absence, UIMSA Press contacted them to request explanations. However, as of the time of writing, none of the executives contacted had responded to the request for comment.
While Beyond the Smile provided a platform for discussions on mental health, academic pressure and the medical school environment, its delayed commencement, low turnout and limited executive presence remained notable aspects of the programme.