INTERVIEW

 AVMS PRESIDENT DEBUNKS RUMOUR, SAYS…………… 

Given the virtual learning process and how members are not on campus except the clinical students, we decided to have an interview with the President of AVMS.

VNO : Can we meet you sir and how's the head wearing the AVMS crown?

OOW- I am Olaoluwa Ola-Williams(OOW), a DVM V student of this noble Faculty, a Zikite. Also, I happen to be, by virtue of grace and privilege, the President, Association of Veterinary Medical Students, University of Ibadan (AVMS, UI. Just as Shakespeare himself postulated, heavy is the head that wears the crown. It has been all shades of emotions. But, we are grateful for where we are and where we are headed.

VNO: how do you intend to carried out your duties amidst Online learning?

OOW - Actually, the online setting presents an alternative outlet. It has shown us a novel way of making things happen. Thus, it is only fitting that one adapts to this "new normal" and explore means by which one's responsibilities and plans can be brought into reality. With regard to this, our peculiarities have taken effect. While it is true most classes are online, clinics are still on-site. Only obstacle would probably be with the lower level classes. But nonetheless, the Association has been assiduously ensuring that all levels are effectively carried along in its affairs. Plus, most organs and committees have been set up and many are already functioning in their respective capacities. So, it is safe to say collaboration is in full swing.

VNO: Mr. President, rumor has it that members of the association will not have to pay dues since we are running a virtual mode of learning, how true is this?

 OOW: Okay, permit me to categorically put it out there that payment of dues is a major prerequisite for every member of this association. Also, very pertinent to note is the University's proposed motive to have the second semester physical. It then logically crushes the insinuation that all activities shall be virtual this session. Furthermore, going by the theory of cause and effect, being members of the faculty effectively renders us members of AVMS, UI. Consequentially, the only way to validate this membership is if our financial obligation to the association is fulfilled. To this end, with our hats in our hands, we are passionately appealing to the Unibadan vet students to effectuate their terms of membership by paying their dues. Thank you.

VNO: how do you plan to collect the dues sir especially for preclinical students who are at home?

OOW: To ameliorate the challenges occasioned by the means of payment, the Association is seeking to utilize integrated payment platforms. If we are truly inching towards a digital era, it is definitely not a shot off target to adopt solutions like this. To consolidate this, the Faculty's backing has been sought to guarantee enforcement. We are very optimistic the breakdown of dues for this session would be approved and subsequently circulated upon the next Senate sitting. Things are actually looking up.

VNO: what are the plans in place to have a smooth academic session sir?

OOW: Hmm! From our end, we can only ensure maximum co-operation and participation from students in the whole learning experience. That in itself is key to running a smooth academic calendar. Furthermore, monitoring the Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) process as well as the on-site clinics to give effective feedback, communicate grievances and offer suggestions to the faculty management and the university management in general is another duty we have undertaken.

VNO: Mr. President, in your last interview with VNO, you overemphasized how the welfare of vet students was of high priority to your administration, what have been done so far credit of the steps you’ve taken?

OOW: Regarding welfare, even way before our inauguration, we have reached out to class reps to receive reports on the state of the infrastructure of classrooms and facilities. Some of them have been revamped by the faculty and others are in the process. We have intimated the faculty management unofficially of the situation report, and it is already being looked into. In addition, the academic and mentorship committee has been set up to offer a huge boost to the help vet students actualize their academic goals, as well proffer assistance in form of guidance and support with registration and settling in. We want to assure that there is more coming.

VNO: what are the programmes vet students should anticipate sir?

OOW: At the moment, the upcoming Freshmen's Fiesta is the programme currently in the phase of planning and execution. We also plan an interactive session/town hall meeting with the faculty management, as well as a Congress. These are for the first semester.

Subsequently, other events in the pipelines are the excursion, hangout/picnic, the Public Lecture/Awards Ceremony, the Dog Show, the NAVMS Convention, trainings and seminars, the Dean's Cup and of course the Faculty Week. I want to specially enjoin vet students to anticipate these events and participate actively in them, as they all promise to be scintillating and dopaminergic!

VNO: In your last interview, you said your biggest plan for AVMS was to house the national secretariat and host the next convention of the Nigerian Association of Veterinary Students (NAVMS), what steps are being carried out on this?

OOW: This year's edition of the NAVMS Convention has been slated to hold at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. However, there are two pressing factors impinging the possibility of us attending this year- The prevailing pandemic and the state of the nation's security. The only ways this plan can be "green-lit" is of members of AVMS, UI are overwhelming in their desire to attend the convention and if the faculty management grants support and approval. Such is the scenario for now.

VNO: what is your thoughts about virtual learning generally?

OOW: I would not consider it trite to remark that it has come to stay. It is indubitably the future of education. Matter of fact, I could borrow a leaf from the book of a friend who once propounded the idea of establishing a virtual university. Virtual learning provides greater flexibility, comfort and a quicker means of assessing academic progress while enabling us to expand our sense of digital savviness. Howbeit, it is an innovation still yet to be grounded in our developing society. The cost and quality of internet services, unavailability of devices and facilities, health hazards due to increased screen time and solitary means of operation are precarious shortcomings that must be addressed. In our faculty's instance, it might not necessarily be the best system because we are a professional discipline. Our training requires us to perform physical, on-site activities, and thus virtual learning is no fit. I would beseech the university management to consider our idiosyncrasies in this regard. Producing a quintessential veterinarian cannot be wholesomely achieved by virtual learning.

VNO: Thank you very much Mr. President, we hope you will always be available to shine light on grey areas as far as your administration is concerned.

OOW: You are welcome, I will be available as always.