The University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association (UIMSA) Congress held its second edition of the Congress Time-Out and Capacity Building Seminar today , Saturday August 15, 2026, at St. Luke’s Church Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
The event, which was scheduled for 11:00 a.m., commenced at about 12:25 p.m. with opening remarks from the Congress Chancellor, Deseye Denbo-Oweikpodor, who apologised for the delayed start. She noted that the programme was the second edition and appreciated attendees for making time to participate despite their busy schedules. The high table was subsequently introduced, including the Deputy Congress Chancellor, Elegede Victoria, the UIMSA President, Folusho Olu-Adegbola, who was represented in absentia, and the keynote speaker, Dr Isaac Oluwaseun Ekundayo.
Themed “The Pluripotent Medic: Differentiating Beyond Clinical Boundaries,” the seminar featured Dr Isaac Oluwaseun Ekundayo’s presentation, a physician-scientist and innovation strategist, who challenged medical students to explore opportunities beyond conventional clinical practice while building on their medical training. He encouraged medical students to view medicine as a foundation for exploring fields such as policymaking, technology and venture capital. He emphasised that medical knowledge should remain the core of their professional identity while complementary skills could expand their opportunities. He urged students to identify problems around them and begin developing solutions from where they are, while also encouraging them to seek opportunities, participate in global competitions and remain resilient in the face of rejection. “Your MBBS degree is a lens, not a cage,” he said, stressing that transforming healthcare in Africa would require clinicians who could engage not only with medicine but also with capital and policy.
The keynote session was followed by the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Dr Ekundayo in recognition of his contribution to the programme. Attendees subsequently participated in brief games and giveaway activities before the commencement of the quiz session, bringing an interactive dimension to the capacity-building programme.
The quiz session brought together three representatives from each of six UIMSA classes: 2k23, 2k24, 2k25, 2k26, 2k27 and 2k28; for a test of knowledge across three categories: the UIMSA Constitution, UIMSA Standing Orders and Procedures and UIMSA Current Affairs. After a closely contested battle of wits, the 2k23 class emerged winners with 11 points, followed by 2k25 with 10 points and 2k28 with 8 points. 2k27 placed fourth with 7½ points, while 2k24 and 2k26 shared fifth place with 6½ points each.
The closing remarks were given by Toby Udofia, the chairman of the Congress Time Out and Capacity Building Seminar (CTOCBS). He thanked everyone for being present at the event, attributing the event’s success to God and his ever dedicated committee members. The event ended around 3:40pm with picture taking and the awarding of certificates to the quiz winners.