The University of Ibadan Students’ Union 2023/2024 Personality Lecture, themed “Rising Above Borders; A Champ and his Pains”, held on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, at the Alumni Hall, UI.
The event, which was organised as part of the ongoing UI SU Week, featured a guest address, a personality lecture, and a panel session.
The UI’ SU Vice President, Boluwatife Aboderin gave the opening address. In her address, Miss Aboderin encouraged the students present to rise above borders, no matter their backgrounds and circumstances. She also appealed to the alumni community, calling for intervention in some currently degrading facilities and sections of campus, such as Barth Road.
Following this was the Guest address by Dr Tolulope Aderemi, Head of Energy Practice at Perchstone and Grays, on the topic, “Building the Brand You”, espousing the benefits of having value and ‘how to network and build your credibility the right way’.
Shortly after, the Personality Lecture was delivered by Professor Temisan Ebijuwa, of the Department of Philosophy, Ladoke Akintola Univerisity of Technology, Ogbomosho, on behalf of Professor Ayodeji Omole Oludare, Professor and Head of the Department of Forest Production and Products of the University of Ibadan. He expanded on the theme of the lecture, stating that, “Champs in this sense need doggedness and a sense of achievement to turn problems into solutions”. He further mentioned that, “In the disadvantaged environment we find ourselves in, students should gain skills like IT skills and build capacity, and also develop a mindset that can combat the challenges of life, to make them better fit among their peers”.
The panel session, titled “Signposts for Success: University of Ibadan to the world” followed, with panellists, Dr Isaac Olufadewa, Mr Raphael Steven, Mrs Yemisi Adepoju and Mr Ahmad Bashorun. Dr Isaac talked about how accessing opportunities starts from your time in school and how students need to position themselves for opportunities by volunteering. He mentioned that as President of the Literary and Debating Society, UI, he began Jaw War and how that has benefitted him in accessing grants till now.
Awards of appreciation were presented to the panellists by Professor Ayodeji Omole, who commended the efforts of the UI’ SU. He was also presented with an award by the UI’ SU President, Aweda Bolaji.
Notable dignitaries present include Mr Samuel Tobiloba, Dr Seun Garuba, Professor Nkay Akinsola, Professor Abbass Aderemi Adedigun, amongst others.
Ladapo Wisdom
