The University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association (UIMSA) officially ushered in a new era of leadership yesterday during its inaugural Senate meeting held at the Famewo Common Room, ABH. The event was attended by senators, congress members, electoral officers and observers.
The meeting was presided over by the outgoing Senate Chair, Senator Adesola Adeniyi, who steered the opening proceedings. Following this, the Chairperson of the UIMSA Electoral Commission, Collins Esohwode administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives, formally empowering them to take up their roles.
One of UIMSA’s respected staff advisers, Professor Lawal, delivered an address to mark the commencement of the new administrative year and urged the new leaders to serve with integrity and commitment.
The newly sworn-in President, Folusho Olu-Adegbola, addressed the house for the first time in his official capacity. He expressed gratitude for the mandate entrusted to him and assured UIMSAites of a leadership focused on inclusivity, innovation, and service.
Attention soon shifted to the in-house elections to fill principal offices in both the Senate and Congress. The Electoral Commission oversaw a transparent voting process, with notable results. A tie for the position of Congress Chief Whip between AbdulRasaq Ayoola and Oladejo, both polling 29 votes, was broken by the Senate Chair’s deciding vote in favour of Ayoola. Oluwagbemisola of the 2k24 class was elected Congress Scribe with 59 votes. Elegbede Victoria clinched the position of Congress Deputy Chancellor with 46 votes to her opponent’s 17, while Denbo-Oweikpodor emerged Congress Chancellor with 46 votes.
In the Senate, Senator Ayegboyin Elizabeth became Chief Whip with 29 votes, Senator Adejumo Isaac secured the Registrar position with 30 votes, and Senator Titilayo Sebimotife won Deputy Registrar with 24 votes. Senator Ojile Moses was elected Senate Deputy Chair with 31 votes, and Senator Agboke Emmanuel emerged as Senate Chair with 25 votes, despite three opposing and two invalid ballots.
The meeting ended with farewell speeches from outgoing officials, including former Congress Chancellor Omotunde Olamide and past President Inioluwa Joshua, followed by award presentations to the outgoing executive council by the Senate leadership.
Oluwagbolade Ajiboro
