Freshers' Week '24: Students' Union Holds Symposium; Faculty of Technology Wins Inter-Faculty Debate

By Joy Oludele

Following the freshmen inter-faculty debate held on Monday, November 4, at Oduduwa Hall, the Great Ife Students' Union proceeded with the planned Freshers' Week 2024, which included a symposium held at the 1,000-seater lecture theatre. The symposium was themed "Uniting Tradition and Innovation: Bridging the Past and the Future." The event started a few minutes past 11:00 a.m. with the national anthem and the Great Ife anthem being anchored by Timileyin Busari, the Welfare Director. 

The freshmen were afterward welcomed to the second day of Freshers' Week. The judges were called to the podium to conclude the inter-faculty debate that started yesterday at Oduduwa Hall. The representatives from the faculties that made it to the final round—Clinical Sciences, Pharmacy, Social Sciences, and Technology—were called to the stage.

The event was expertly anchored by Fashina Damilare. The esteemed guests at the symposium were Professor Ajila (an erstwhile SU Vice President), Comrade Osugbade Akeem Olaboye (former Angola Hall of Residence chairman), and Barrister Adejuwon Davidson (an erstwhile SU President).

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Comrade Akeem Olaboye, who was the first speaker, delivered a thought-provoking address, emphasizing the importance of embracing heritage while accommodating change and integrating legacy into modernity. He stressed the need to balance tradition and innovation, highlighting the inevitability of change. Delivering this thought-provoking speech, he explained the traditions of the institution to the freshmen.

The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, a sponsoring organization, took the opportunity to share their mission and goals with the students. They explained how their organization strives to provide quality education and support to the community, aligning with the institution's values. Additionally, Salama Ibrahim led an informative session on gender-based violence, empowering students with vital knowledge to promote awareness and prevention.

Professor Ajila, an erstwhile Great Ife Students' Union Vice President, spoke about consciousness and how the freshmen must ensure that they retain awareness and mindfulness. She further discussed academic excellence and urged the freshers to take their academics seriously.

Professor Ajila advised the freshers to set their priorities right. She also spoke about building positive identities.

The third speaker, Barrister Adejuwon Davidson, stated to the freshmen, "There is no Great Ife Students' Union without you. You are the Union." He explained that there is a misconception that once one joins the union, that person will fail academically. He said, "You can be a strong unionist and still achieve first class." He advised freshers to embrace the spirit of "past questions treatment."

Barrister Adejuwon also spoke about the relationship between unionism and religion. He said, "Joining Students' Unionism on this campus is not a sin." He further stated that the school management has just one interest to protect, and that is the interest of the federal government.

Barrister Adejuwon emphasized the culture of intellectualism, the culture of bravery and boldness, the culture of equality and unity, the culture of respect, the culture of sports excellence, and the culture of justice and freedom.

After the third speaker's address, there was a poetry performance. Afterwards, there was a panel session. The panelists were Comrade Kazeem Olalekan, Corporate MC, and Coach Tarzan. The session was anchored by Tawak Oluwadamilola. The panelists spoke about how OAU influenced who they are today. They discussed how to use the campus community as leverage to build oneself. The panelists emphasized the importance of getting priorities right.

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The winners of the inter-faculty debate were announced by Odedeji Christianah (Temitianah), the Vice President of the Students' Union. The third runner-up was the Faculty of Pharmacy with 57 points. The second runner-up was the Faculty of Social Sciences with 57.2 points. The first runner-up was the Faculty of Clinical Sciences with 64 points. The winner was the Faculty of Technology with 69.5 points. Certificates of participation were also presented to the contestants. Omoboriowo Damilola, the President of the Students' Union, gave the closing remarks.

In a conversation with the Vice President of the Students' Union, she explained that the symposium was organized primarily to introduce freshmen to the culture and traditions of OAU. Temitianah explained that the objectives set out to be achieved were accomplished.

She also mentioned that the panelists' session was made available to help freshmen understand how to manage their social lives amidst academic activities. Furthermore, she indicated that the final round of the debate had been held, and awards were presented to the winners. Additionally, certificates of participation were distributed.

The Vice President concluded by stating that she would encourage the freshers to attend the other programs. Tomorrow is designated for sports. She said, "We have specially organized this program for them to enjoy because when the lectures start, they will become engrossed in academic activities."