AVMS WEEK: 'The week can be fixed within the session so more people can attend' - Fatihah Abdussalam

There is no doubt that this year's AVMS WEEK  came with its elegance and glamour. From the myriad of events plus several innovations and creativity put into place. It indeed was a well packed week that will linger in the memory of members of the association for the time being.

VNO sat with the Vice President of the Association who doubles as the chairman of the planning committee on how the organizing went about, the challenges faced, and recommendations for the next administration.

VNO: Can we meet you?

Fatihah: My name is Fatihah Abdussalam, a 500lvl student of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Executive Vice President of the Association of Veterinary Medical Students, University of Ibadan. I serve as the Chairperson of the AVMS annual week for this session.

VNO: This year's AVMS Week was notably elegant and featured numerous innovations such as cooking competitions and cultural events. How did you conceive and implement these programs?

Fatihah: Being the Chairperson of the AVMS week, I envisioned a series of events that highlighted the interests of members of the Association while ensuring to do something different. The theme of the week was conceived based on the idea that members could find something for themselves or something they resonate with within the Association. I noticed we have a lot of Vet students with culinary skills and wanted to encourage them, thereby birthing the first-ever cooking competition in the Association. The Cultural day has been in existence; I just thought to revive it to add flair to the event.

VNO: Can you share with us some challenges faced before and during the AVMS week?

Fatihah: Of course, there were challenges. One of the challenges was fixing the date for the events, with the exam calendar uncertain and the differences in the end date of exams for different classes, it was really challenging.

Another challenge was the economic hardship in the country; this took a toll on our sponsorship and affected our budget as prices of goods skyrocketed along with the increase in fuel prices. It was really challenging.

Other challenge was getting classes to attend the events. The freshers finished their exams earlier and were not willing to wait in school for the week. The classes writing Part Exams were really exhausted from the duration and stress of the exams, hence unwilling to partake in the week activities, and many other classes were just too eager to start the Field practice.

All these and more constituted the challenges faced, but thankfully, we had the week done.

VNO: Is there anything you think you could have done better?

Fatihah: Yes, like starting publicity for the week way earlier and expanding our publicity reach. The week is for us to show the University what we are about as an Association. It will be nice to have Uites from other faculties join us in our events; that gives room for networking.

Another thing is if the week can be fixed within the session so more people can attend.

I also hope that Vet students will make payments for paid events at the appropriate time and not wait until the day of the event. It really affects our planning.

VNO: Having organized one of the biggest events at UI, what experiences can you say you have gathered?

Fatihah: One of the biggest events! (smile) Well, the experience of having to consider so many factors and people in planning. What A likes might not be what B likes, but you have to find a way to bring it together and make it work for both of them.

I can say my personal relations skills have improved because I received help and support from so many persons, and that was what made it work.

VNO: The event was indeed fantastic; you didn't plan this all alone. Who are those you're shouting out to for their contribution during planning and execution of the programs?

Fatihah: I have a long list, but special mention for my committee heads: Steve, Alaka, BJ, Dara, Precious, Lewa, Shubomi, Martha, Azeezat, Eron, Mariam, FimiSogo, Bolaji(Xi), Eniola, Bukunmi, Gloria, Oluwanifemi, Lonimi, Ayomide, Jidejude, Olive, Aluta Jay, Abluv, Patrick, Ayomikun, Peedy, Promise, Christabel, Vetmily, all class reps, all members of subcommittees, the Senate council, the executive council, our staff advisers, and everyone who attended the event. You all made it a success; I am grateful.

VNO: As the outgoing AVMS vice president, what advice would you give to the next administration and students in general?

Fatihah: Dear Vet students, Love one another and hold your head up with pride. The Association is all of us; we need to work together to make it great.

To the next administration, I would advise you to love one another and work together. Be each other's keeper. In all you do, put the people first. When you do that, they'd love you and be willing to work with you. Also, start working on your plans as early as possible, move close to the alumni body, and be willing to ask questions. 'He who asks questions, does not lose the way'.

Let's remain noble in all our doings; remember we serve a noble profession.

VNO: Thank you for your time.

Fatihah: Thank you for having me.