NEWS

  FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE UI GUEST LECTURE;  BUSINESS STRATEGIES IN VETERINARY MEDICINE NEW APPROACH.

 

The long  awaited Faculty guest lecture of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Ibadan held on Wednesday, 2nd February 2022.

The event which was organized by the management of the faculty took place at the faculty auditorium around 10:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesday. At the event, which was also streamed online, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Olafunke E. Ola- Davies while giving her opening remarks, welcomed both the staff and students to the program and stressed the importance of the topic in this contemporary era.

 The topic of today; Business Strategies In Veterinary Medicine New Approach is timely and also essential in our day and time when unemployment has started to stare at us’ Dean said.

She commended the support of the guest lecturer, Dr Seyi Sobowale who happened to be one of UI graduates, class of 1992 and practicing Veterinary Medicine at Croydon Pet Hospital Maryland USA, towards the development of the faculty. 

The guest speaker, Dr. Seyi Sobowale was present with his wife Mrs. Adesola Sobowale. He delivered a brief and concise lecture, emphasizing the importance of knowing oneself and then deciding the career path to follow as early as the fourth year of study. As far as starting a business is concerned, he also emphasized the need to start small and then grow as one progresses. He made mention of possible businesses veterinarians could venture into even with little capital. 

‘Ask yourself, who am I? If you are good at academics, face it, If it is business you are good at, face it and if it is to travel abroad ask those out there that can be sincere with you and go for it’ Dr seyi said.

He added that it is normal to have at least 4 sources of income, so when one closes another will open. Being in academics should not prevent you from engage in business.

Speaking on the topic proper, Dr Seyi analyzed 4 steps to make it to business and get the best out of it.

“Plan. If you don’t plan for life, life will plan for you. It is normal to have 3 years of planning before you graduate, look for mentors among your professors and learn from them while still in school.”

“Change your mindset, your mindset and mentality give you freedom, have employer mentality. Mentality of I will never work under anybody.”

“Focus, in business there are challenges and obstacles but focus. Put it at the back of your mind that you can make it. Look for your niche and where you fit in then focus.”

“Endurance and Perseverance, if you can endure in anything you do, you will survive so far you are serious and have passion, you will get there.”

‘Start with a little from your savings. 1 boerboel dog, 100 broilers, 4 pigs can take you there” Doctor Seyi opined.

There was an interactive session after the lecture for questions, answers and comments which were all duly attended to. Dr. Sobowale was presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his contributions to the faculty particularly the computer room.

He ended his speech on this note: “That I can do it, you can do it, but follow your path”

The public lecture was followed by questions which were answered with concise and accurate answers.

Several students were in attendance and there was also a significant online presence. The Dean- Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, assured the students that there will be similar lectures in the future to guide and encourage our decision making. She also commended Professor Eyarefe for his donation of the sum of #100,000 to sponsor the event. 

Also present at the event were director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, professor James Olaopade, Faculty officer, Mr D.E Nwabuka, Sub-deans undergraduate, clinics and post graduate, Dr Abiola, Dr Seun and Dr Omotosho respectively. The HOD’s of departments and Faculty lecturers were also present.

The lecture has hopefully gotten several students thinking about their future career choices and all the available opportunities they can take advantage of.

Award of distinguished alumnus was presented by Dr Adenike O. Olatunji-Akioye while the Dean of the faculty, Professor Olafunke E. Ola- Davies gave closing remark as the faculty officer gave the vote of thanks.